LIBRARY  OF  THE 
UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 
AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 

973.894 


RVEY 


CORPORAL  W.  T.   GOODE,   AUTHOR. 


THE 


"EIGHTH  ILLINOIS 


BY 


CORPORAL  W.  T.  GOODE" 

COMPANY  F.  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEER  REGIMENT. 
UNITED  STATES  VOLUNTEERS. 


CHICAGO: 

THE   BLAKELY   PRINTING  COMPANY, 
1899. 


Copyrighted,  1899, 

BY 
W.  T.  GOODE. 


PREFACE. 

Far  back  in  the  early  seventies  the  desire  for  mili- 
tary organization  first  began  to  inspire  the  hearts  of 
the  leading  colored  men  of  the  state  of  Illinois.  From 
time  to  time  the  different  leaders  of  the  race  in  the 
state  have  espoused  the  cause  of  such  an  organization 
with  zealous  love  and  interest  for  the  betterment  of 
their  coherents  and  for  its  future  benefits  to  the  Negro 
race  in  its  entirety,  not  only  in  Illinois,  but  through- 
out this  broad  Union. 

As  early  as  1870  this  military  spirit  and  feeling 
bubbled  up  in  the  hearts  of  the  colored  men  in  Illinois, 
and  like  the  subterranean  activity  of  a  passive  vol- 
cano, kept  constantly  bubbling,  burning  and  boiling 
up  until  it  reached  the  crater  of  their  ambition.  The 
lava  of  aspiration,  overflowing  the  open  apex  of  the 
mountain  of  "Success,"  crept  down  its  steep  slopes  until 
its  warmth  had  animated  the  ambition  of  the  entire 
colored  population  of  the  commonwealth.  In  due  time 
a  military  body,  known  as  the  Hannibal  Guards,  was 
created,  and  for  a  number  of  years  this  organization 
was  cherished  and  supported  by  the  citizens  of  Chi- 
cago. This  military  body  was  organized  shortly  after 
the  big  fire  in  Chicago  of  1871.  It  prospered  for 
awhile,  then  gave  way  for  another  and  a  more  progres- 
sive body  known  as  the  "Cadets." 

The  Cadets  were  well  drilled  and  disciplined,  being 
5 


224333 


6  PREFACE. 

made  up  of  intelligent  young  colored  men,  many  of 
whom  belonged  to  the  military  guards  of  various,  other 
states,  notably  Vermont,  Massachusetts,  Pennsylvania, 
Virginia,  Maryland  and  others,  and  in  many  instances 
the  leaders  were  men  who  had  seen  active  service  in 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 

Notwithstanding  the  progress  and  efficiency  in  mili- 
tary.affairs  resulting  from  the  existence  of  the  "Ca- 
dets," new  memberships,  fresher  brains  and  greater 
ambitions  figured  in  a  future  destiny.  A  new  and 
broader  field  was  planned  and  mapped  out;  the  pre- 
vious organization  was  local,  their  ambition  now  be- 
came national.  Hence,  with  the  passing  of  the  Cadets 
a  larger  and  grander  association  was  ushered  into  prom- 
inence. It  was  called  the  "Old  Sixteenth."  This  was 
in  the  early  eighties.  Having  more  energy  and  in- 
fluence behind  it,  the  "Old  Sixteenth"  soon  gained  ad- 
mission to  the  military  organizations  of  the  state  as 
member  of  the  Illinois  state  guards  or  state  militia. 

With  such  men  as  Captain  Moore  and  Captain 
Brown  and  others,  the  Old  Sixteenth  could  not  be 
otherwise  but  a  success.  After  belonging  to  the  state 
militia  for  a  number  of  years  the  Legislature  was  un- 
able to  make  further  appropriations  for  its  main- 
tenance, when  it  was  dropped  from  the  military  roster, 
but  the  colored  men  were  undaunted.  It  was  not 
their  intention  to  be  discarded.  So  on  the  night 
of  the  fifth  of  June,  1890,  that  military  spirit  was 
ablaze  again  in  the  form  of  another  organization,  this 
time  to  be  known  as  the  Ninth  Battalion  of  Chicago, 
which  will  be  spoken  of  in  the  succeeding  chapters. 
Among  the  promoters  of  this  movement  were  such 


PREFACE.  7 

men  as  John  R.  Marshall,  J.  C.  Buckner,  B.  G.  Johnson, 
J.  C.  Bish,  J.  C.  Jordoti  and  others.  With  such  cour- 
ageous leaders  as  these  the  creation  of  the  Ninth  was 
wrought,  being  a  signal  military  success,  and  ultimately 
became  the  nucleus  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer 
Regiment  (infantry).  The  members  of  the  Ninth  were 
progressive  and  their  ranks  continued  to  grow  until  a 
battalion  of  four  companies  was  formed  and  well  -dis- 
ciplined, being  encouraged  by  ambition.  They  applied 
to  Governor  Joe  Fifer  for  admission  into  the  state 
militia,  but  he  refused  their  request  on  the  grounds  that, 
there  was  not  enough  money  in  the  state  treasury  for 
an  appropriation  to  be  made  for  the  Ninth  Battalion. 

The  colored  Illinoisans  did  not  take  "No"  for  an  an- 
swer; consequently,  in  1894,  they  placed  Maj.  J.  C. 
Buckner  in  nomination  as  a  state  representative  and  in 
November  of  the  same  year  elected  him  from  the 
Sixth  District  of  Illinois  to  the  Legislature.  Subse- 
quently Major  and  Representative  Buckner  framed  a 
resolution  which  became  a  law,  creating  a  vacancy  in 
the  state  militia  and  making  an  appropriation  for  the 
same.  The  Ninth  again  made  application  for  admis- 
sion to  the  state  militia  to  Gov.  John  P.  Altgeld,  then 
governor  of  the  state,  who  was  impressed  with  and 
friendly  to  the  scheme,  indorsed  the  movement,  giving 
it  his  earnest  efforts  and  support,  and  by  orders  em- 
anating from  his  executive  chamber,  the  Ninth  Bat- 
talion of  Chicago  became  the  Ninth  Battalion  of  the 
I.  N.  G.,  or  Illinois  National  Guard,  which  afterward 
was  recruited  to  the  standard  of  a  regiment  and  mus- 
tered into  the  state  as  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer 
Regiment  (infantry). 


8  PREP  ACE. 

Considerable  criticism,  much  of  it  of  a  prejudicial 
character,  has  been  published  about  this  regiment,  and 
greatly  to  its  detriment.  The  author  of  this  book  has 
endeavored  to  eradicate  the  falsities  of  these  criticisms 
by  presenting  to  the  public  a  true  story  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois  Volunteer  Regiment  (infantry),  colored,  who 
were  sent  forth  as  an  experiment  to  the  soldiery  of  the 
United  States  army. 

To  say  that  the  experiment  was  a  success  is  putting 
it  mildly,  for  the  triumph  of  this  regiment  over  all  ob- 
stacles and  prejudicial  barriers  has  certainly  shaped  the 
future  destiny  of  the  Afro-American — as  a  peaceful 
citizen — as  a  brave  and  courageous  soldier,  as  a  leader, 
and  a  prominent  factor  in  the  vicissitudes  of  human 
affairs. 

The  reputation  of  Negro  soldiers — their  bravery,  and 
conduct — will  compare  favorably,  not  only,  with  the 
white  soldiers  of  our  own  army,  but  with  the  soldiery 
of  the  whole  civilized  world.  This  is  a  sweeping  state- 
ment, but  who  is  there  dare  to  refute  it.  There  have 
been  so  many  conflicting  stories  put  in  circulation  con- 
cerning the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment,  some  of  whioh 
if  allowed  to  go  uncontradicted  would  leave  a  lasting 
stain  on  its  good  name,  while  others  were  so  biased 
in  their  nature  as  to  hardly  need  a  refutation,  the 
author  feels  that  it  is  only  an  act  of  simple  justice  to 
give  to  the  public  as  true  and  complete  a  story  as  pos- 
sible of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteers. 


CONTENTS. 

Page 

CHAPTER   I. 
The  Ninth  Battalion— Its  Origin 13 

CHAPTER   II. 
The   Eighth   Illinois  Volunteers 29 

CHAPTER  III. 
Roster   of   the    Eighth    Illinois 48 

CHAPTER  IV. 
Biographies  of  the  Field  and  Line  Officers  of  the  Eighth. .  65 

CHAPTER  V. 
Synopsis  of  the  Trip  to  Cuba 108 

CHAPTER  VI. 
What  We  Saw  in   Cuba 142 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Incidents   of  the   Campaign 197 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Courage  Knows  No  Color. 222 

CHAPTER  IX. 

>,  The  Mannana  Club  at  Palma 243 

CHAPTER  X. 

Religion   in   the   Eighth 249 

CHAPTER  XI. 

In   a   Foreign    Prison 264 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Homeward   Bound   271 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

A  Welcome  Home 291 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
The  Last  Retreat 300 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Page 
Corporal  W.  T.  Goode,  Author — Frontispiece. 

Colonel  John   R.   Marshall 63 

Lieutenant  Colonel  James  H.  Johnson 67 

Major  Robert  R.  Jackson,  Post  Commander 71 

Major  Allen  A.  Wesley,  Chief  Army  Surgeon 79 

Major  Franklin  A.  Denison,  Judge  of  Court  of  Claims..  .  75 

Captain  Jordan  Chavis,  Regimental  Chaplain 247 

Captain  Richard   P.   Roots,   Post  Commandant 205 

Lieutenant  James  A.  Nelson,  Regimental  Quartermaster.  .  83 
Lieutenant  Harvey  A.  Thompson,  Regimental  Adjutant. .  91 

Lieutenant  J.  W.  Curtis,  Post  Surgeon 95 

Lieutenant  Edward  S.  Miller,  Field  Hospital  Surgeon....  99 

Lieutenant   C.   L.   Hill,    Post  Quartermaster 185 

Lieutenant  James  M.   Rauls,   Post  Adjutant 189 

Sergeant  William  I.  Barnet,  Chief  Musician 87 

Field    Hospital — Camp    Marshall 135 

Company  F  Non-commissioned  Staff  at  Palma 193 

A  Cuban  Casa 156 

A  Cuban  Water   Boy 168 

Camp   Marshall,   San    Luis 131 

A    Soldier's    Dreant 223 

Camp  Marshall,  Camp  Tanner 23 

Spanish  Soldiers   153 

A  Spanish  Block  House 162 

The  Mannana  Club    at  Palma 241 

Cuban  Soldiers    148 

The  First   Barracks    at   Palma 177 

Post   Hospital,   San  Luis  de   Cuba 261 

Santiago   Bay — The   Reina  Mercedes 123 


CHAPTER  I. 
THE  NINTH  BATTALION— ITS   ORIGIN. 

On  the  evening  of  May  5,  1890,  a  meeting  of  repre- 
sentatives of  the  colored  people  of  Chicago,  111.,  was 
held,  with  the  object  in  view  of  organizing  several  com- 
panies of  infantry,  which  culminated  in  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  company  of  infantry,  which  was  the  nucleus 
of  what  afterward  became  the  Ninth  Battalion  of 
Chicago.  The  meeting  was  held  at  Central  Hall, 
corner  Wabash  avenue  and  Twenty-second  street. 
The  meeting  was  presided  over  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Bish.  Af- 
ter the  chairman  had  announced  the  object  of  the 
meeting,  there  was  a  number  of  interesting  and  en- 
thusiastic addresses  made  by  many  of  the  prominent 
gentlemen  present,  not  only  as  to  the  advisability  of 
such  a  project,  but  the  credit  such  an  organization 
would  reflect  upon  the  colored  people  of  the  state 
of  Illinois,  as  well  as  in  Chicago.  The  formation  of 
such  an  organization,  it  was  thought  by  many,  would  in 
time  prove  a  beneficial  and  a  social  advantage  to  the 
colored  residents  of  Illinois.  The  chairman,  upon  mo- 
tion, appointed  a  committee  to  canvass  the  matter 
thoroughly,  and  report  at  the  next  meeting,  called  to 
convene  three  weeks  later. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  chairman  was  com- 
posed of  the  following,  who  were  well  capacitated  for 

13 


14  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

the  work  intrusted  to  them :  B.  G.  Johnson,  chairman ; 
J.  C.  Jordon,  secretary ;  W.  J.  Delacy,  J.  C.  Buckner,  C. 
D.  Taylor,  J.  E.  Carter,  Alex.  Taylor,  J.  E.  Bish  and 
C.  Lenox. 

On  the  evening  of  May  19,  the  committee  reported 
favorably  on  the  proposition  of  creating  a  military  or- 
ganization, to  be  known  and  recognized  as  the  Ninth 
Battalion  (infantry)  of  Chicago.  Mr.  Henry  B. 
Chamberlin,the  editor  of  the  "Guardsman,"  was  present 
upon  the  acceptance  of  an  invitation.  He  being 
called  upon,  responded,  and  made  a  very  able  and 
acceptable  address,  which  was  highly  (appreciated. 
Afterward  he  was  urged  and  finally  consented  to 
take  charge  of  the  preliminary  instructions,  and  after 
drilling  a  squad  of  men  that  evening,  he  was  thereafter 
for  quite  a  while  recognized  as  their  instructor  and 
tactical  guide.  With  the  untiring  efforts  of  Mr.  Cham- 
berlin  and  under  his  able  and  thorough  instructions 
the  battalion  was  soon  a  success. 

On  June  5th,  Company  A  was  organized,  with  a  to- 
tal of  39  men,  with  Mr.  B.  G.  Johnson  as  captain,  Mr. 
J.  C.  Buckner  as  first  lieutenant,  Mr.  J.  R.  Marshall, 
second  Lieutenant,  and  Mr.  J.  C.  Jordon,  first  sergeant. 
Company  A  thrived  splendidly,  the  members  being 
banded  together  for  one  grand  purpose,  there  being 
neither  contention  nor  dissension  among  them.  It 
was  not  long  ere  Company  A  had  reached  such  propor- 
tions numerically,  under  the  guidance  and  instruction 
of  Mr.  Chamberlin,  that  it  was  deemed  necessary  to 
organize  the  second  company,  which  was  company  B. 
This  company  having  been  organized,  was  mustered 
in  on  the  i8th  day  of  July,  1890.  Mr.  Walter  S. 


THE  N'INTH  BATTALION— ITS  ORIGIN.  15 

Tipton  was  elected  its  first  captain ;  Mr.  J.  H.  Johnson, 
first  lieutenant ;  Mr.  H.  R.  Roberson,  second  lieutenant, 
and  Mr.  A.  Thomas  was  appointed  its  first  sergeant. 

Companies  A  and  B  having  been  formed,  they 
worked  harmoniously  and  successfully  together,  both 
tending  toward  the  same  common  purpose,  the  better- 
ment and  elevation  of  the  colored  race  in  Chicago  and 
Illinois.  Having  two  separate  and  distinct- heads,  it  was 
considered  essential  now  to  have  one  general  head 
for  the  two  companies ;  hence  a  battalion  was  organ- 
ized and  a  new  command  created,  that  of  major,  and 
Captain  B.  G.  Johnson,  commanding  Company  A,  was 
elected  major  of  the  new  battalion.  Major  Johnson's 
first  staff  was  composed  of  the  following  officers:  J. 
E.  Bish,  adjutant,  with  rank  of  captain;  Dr.  D.  H. 
Williams,  assistant  surgeon,  with  rank  of  captain ; 
J.  N.  Croker,  inspector  of  rifle  practice,  with  rank  of 
captain ;  R.  J.  B.  Ellington,  quartermaster,  with  rank 
of  first  lieutenant.  The  non-commissioned  staff  was 
chosen  as  follows:  W.  A.  Jones,  sergeant-major; 
Henry  Graham,  quartermaster  sergeant;  J.  W.  Muse, 
commissary  sergeant ;  Moses  Trent,  color  sergeant ; 
T.  B.  Jackson,  ordnance  sergeant ;  Frank  Hamilton, 
hopital  steward.  The  musicians  were  Willis  Sykes 
and  Charles  Hunt.  The  promotion  of  Captain  John- 
son to  the  rank  of  major  created  a  vacancy  in  Com- 
pany A  for  the  captaincy,  consequently  First  Lieuten- 
ant J.  C.  Buckner  was  chosen  and  Second  Lieutenant 
J.  R.  Marshall  was  made  first  lieutenant,  and  First  Ser- 
geant J.  C.  Jordon  second  lieutenant. 

As  soon  as  the  battalion  was  formed  Major  Johnson, 
Captain  Buckner  and  First  Lieutenant  Marshall,  ably 


16  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

assisted  by  the  captains  and  lieutenants  of  B  company, 
set  about  immediately  in  an  untiring  effort  at  securing 
uniforms  for  the  members,  and  fatigue  uniforms  were 
eventually  procured.  A  drum  and  bugle  corps  was 
now  all  that  was  needed  to  make  the  organization  com- 
plete and  the  task  of  enlisting  them  was  detailed  to 
Captain  Buckner,  and  he  successfully  and  satisfactorily 
performed  this  duty. 

After  they  had  succeeded  in  getting  them  uniformed, 
the  bugle  corps  was  the  pride  of  the  battalion.  We 
still  find  Mr.  Chamberlin  giving  instructions  to  the 
battalion,  but  at  this  juncture  business  duties  com- 
pelled him  to  relinquish  his  position,  and  with  regret 
on  the  part  of  himself,  as  well  as  the  battalion,  his  con- 
nection with  the  organization  ceased.  Mr.  Chamber- 
lin was  succeeded  by  First  Lieutenant  George  W.  Bris- 
tol, who  afterward  became  captain  in  the  First  Infantry 
Illinois  National  Guards.  The  battalion  by  this  time 
numbered  about  185  men,  of  which  115  were  fully 
uniformed. 

Company  drills  were  held  every  week,  on  Monday 
nights.  Battalion  drills  were  given  on  the  third  Mon- 
day in  each  month.  The  battalion  prospered,  and  was 
a  success.  After  a  while  C  company  was  added.  Then 
D  company  was  organized.  Thus  they  remained  for 
several  years. 

A  a  well  drilled  battalion,  the  Ninth  made  applica- 
tion to  Governor  Joe  Fifer,  then  governor  of  the 
state,  for  enlistment  in  the  state  militia,  but  the  ap- 
plication was  denied,  the  governor's  excuse  being  there 
was  no  provision  made  for  such  an  organization  in  the 
last  appropriation  of  the  state  Legislature. 


THE  NINTH  BATTALION— ITS'  ORIGIN.  17 

All  efforts  failing  in  being  attached  to  the  state 
guards  by  the  promoters  of  the  battalion,  in  1894  the 
colored  voters  of  Chicago  elected  John  C.  Buckner, 
(who  was  then  major  of  the  battalion)  as  a  state 
representative  in  the  Legislature.  He,  having  the 
interest  of  his  race  at  heart,  as  well  as  the  welfare  and 
progress  of  his  battalion,  contrived,  through  great  and 
untiring  efforts,  and  political  influence,  in  having  the 
legislative  body  of  the  state  enact  a  law,  of  which 
Major  Buckner  was  the  father,  creating  a  vacancy  in 
the  state  militia,  for  an  additional  battalion ;  and  also 
making  an  appropriation  for  creating  the  same.  Sub- 
sequently they  were  mustered  in  as  a  part  of  the  state 
guards,  being  attached  to  Colonel  Turner's  command 
of  the  First  Infantry,  National  Guards,  as  the  Ninth 
Battalion,  Illinois  National  Guards  (infantry)  and  well 
have  they  proven  their  fitness  for  the  place.  Upon  all 
demonstrations  of  public  nature,  the  Ninth  compared 
favorably  with  the  other  National  Guards  of  the  state. 

When  the  state  was  called  upon  for  her  quota  of 
men  for  the  volunteer  army,  the  Ninth  was  among  the 
first  organizations  volunteering  their  services.  It  was 
found  impossible  to  accept  their  offer  in  filling  the 
quota  furnished  by  Illinois  under  the  first  call  for 
troops,  but  under  the  second  call  they  were  mustered 
in.  Their  offer  could  not  be  consistently  refused,  as 
their  merits  demanded,  and  public  opinion  exacted  it. 
Governor  Tanner,  who  accepted  their  offer,  has  had  no 
occasion  to  regret  his  action,  but  has  every  reason  to 
feel  proud  and  gratified  at  the  splendid  showing  made 
by  this  Illinois  regiment  of  colored  officers  and  colored 
troops. 


i8  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

The  original  roster  of  Companies  A  and  B,  Ninth 
Battalion,  Illinois  National  Guards,  was  as  follows: 


COMPANY  A. 

Captain John  C.  Buckner 

First  Lieutenant John  R.  Marshall 

Second  Lieutenant John  C.  Jordon 

First  Sergeant C.  L.  S.  Wickliffe 

Second  Sergeant J.  H.  Johnson 

Third  Serpeant Frank  Nichols 

Fourth  Sergeant Theo.  R.  Vanpelt 

Fifth  Sergeant C.  M.  McCloudy 

First  Corporal J.  H.  Harris 

Second  Corporal George  Holmes 

Third  Corporal J.  C.  Cowen 

Fourth  Corporal . , W.  Dyson 

Privates. — W.  A.  Fergerson,  George  Allen,  Asa  Al- 
len, C.  H.  Barnes,  Ed.  Bunch,  A.  L.  Baldwin,  J.  C. 
Brown,  E.  L.  Benson,  F.  Bell,  J.  Bell,  M.  L.  Baldwin, 
L.  Coleman,  R.  L.  Ferguson,  T.  Grayton,  Thos.  Gray- 
ton,  Robert  Good,  A.  C.  Harris,  F.  W.  Harsh,  Dick 
Johnson,  Littleton  Jones,  H.  Jenkins,  C.  Lenox,  H. 
Lenard,  Robt.  Lewis,  Dan  Laurance,  Ed.  Mead,  Rob- 
ert Malone,  James  Nelson,  D.  G.  Orr,  R.  Parsons,  T. 
Porter,— Prembill,  R.  E.  Rhoades,  W.  H.  Smith,  James 
Scott,  A.  L.  Smith,  S.  S.  Scroggins,  George  Summers, 
G.  T.  Taylor,  P.  A.  Taylor,  T^  La  Bough,  E.  J.  Smith, 
Head  Strue,  Scipio  Spinks,  L.  E.  Washington,  J.  E. 
Wright,  D.  Wetzell,  W.  C.  Wright,  W.  H.  Washing- 
ton, A.  B.  Wingfield,  Joe  Wickliffe,  Logan  Webb. 


THE  NINTH  BATTALION— ITS  ORIGIN.  19 

COMPANY  B. 

^ 

Captain W.  S.  Tipton 

First  Lieutenant J.  H.  Johnson 

Second  Lieutenant Henry  E.  Robeson 

First   Sergeant A.   Thomas 

Second  Sergeant G.  R.  Scott 

Third  Sergeant C.  L.  Hunt 

Fourth  Sergeant H.  C.  Miller 

Fifth  Sergeant H.  Love 

First  Corporal E.  H.  Moore 

Second  Corporal J.  D.  Fellows 

Third  Corporal H.  F.  Harden 

Fourth  Corporal I.  Gibson 

Privates.— E.  Brown,  J.  Bell,  G.  T.  Baker,  R.  Burk- 
halter,  R.  E.  Burrows,  Wm.  Caskey,  J.  A.  Anderson, 
S.  Amett,  H.  Elby,  L.  Frazier,  F.  Everett,  R.  W. 
Summers,  G.  Harden,  J.  G.  Owens,  T.  J.  Hunter,  N. 
Howard,  F.  Hartsfield,  L.  Jones,  F.  B.  Jackson,  B.  H. 
Jones,  J. Miller,  E. Knight,  J.E.Morgan,  G.W.Kenby, 
P.  G.  Orr,  J.  Porter,  M.  Tudlock,  W.  Paris,  F.  R.  Per- 
ryman,  W.  O.  Pelky,  C.  H.  Parker,  G.  Thomas,  B. 

F.  Williams,  W.  R.  Williams,  R.  White,  P.  R.  Miller, 
J.  Wood,  S.  Young,  E.  S.  Thomas,  William  Jones, 
E.  H.  Anderson,  J.    U.  Venie,  H.  White,  H.  Phinny, 

G.  H.  Johnson,  C.  Thomas,  W.  W.  Bond,  S.  M.  Bowe, 
E.  Ward. 

BIOGRAPHIES  OF  THE  PROMOTERS  OF  THE  OLD 
NINTH. 

Major  B.  G.  Johnson,  Commanding  the  Ninth. 
Major  Benjamin  G.  Johnson  was  born  in  November, 
1859,  at  Baltimore,  Maryland.     He  received  his  edu- 


20  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

cation  at  a  normal  school  in  that  city.  In  1874  he 
moved  to  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  where  he  became 
interested  in  military  affairs,  and  enlisted  in  the  Burn- 
side  Guards,  as  a  musician.  Soon  after  he  entered 
the  ranks  as  a  private,  and  was  promoted  to  be  cor- 
poral. He  remained  in  Providence  but  a. short  time, 
when  he  went  to  Boston,  Mass.  In  1879  ne  kft  Bos- 
ton  and  came  West  to  Chicago,  securing  a  position 
with  the  Pullman  Palace  Car  Company,  where  he  re- 
mained till  1 88 1,  when  he  accepted  the  position  as 
steward  in  the  New  York  Cafe.  Through  the  influence 
of  Hon.  W.  H.  Bradley,  clerk  of  the  United  States 
Court,  he  was  appointed  to  a  position  under  the  col- 
lector of  the  port  at  Chicago.  Later  on  he  was  pro- 
moted to  be  an  inspector  of  customs.  In  a  civil-service 
examination  for  this  position,  he  passed  with  the  high- 
est and  best  examination,  and  was  the  first  on  the 
eligible  list  of  a  class  of  seventy-seven  applicants,  his 
percentage  being  ninety-two.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
order  of  United  Brothers  of  Friendship,  and  was  for 
a  term  of  two  years  a  district  Deputy  Grand  Master. 
It  was  through  the  earnestness  of  his  labors  that  the 
battalion  was  first  uniformed. 


Capt.  James  Ellis  Bish,  adjutant,  Ninth  Battalion. 

Captain  James  Ellis  Bish,  one  of  the  most  prominent 
and  influential  colored  men  in  Chicago,  and  a  prime 
factor  in  all  municipal  elections,  was  born  at  Bonne- 
Terre,  Mo.,  October  i,  1859,  of  slave  parents.  His 
father  having  died  in  1869,  little  James  had  to  go  to 
work  and  assist  in  supporting  the  family.  He  at- 


THE  NINTH  BATTALION— ITS  ORIGIN.          21 

tended  school  at  Belleville,  111.,  after  which  he  returned 
to  his  native  place  and  began  teaching  school,  but  was 
compelled  to  leave  by  the  Klu-klux.  In  1872,  he  set- 
tled in  Belleville,  keeping  a  cigar  store  and  lunch  coun- 
ter at  the  depot.  In  1876,  he  went  to  Alton,  111.,  studied 
telegraphy,  secured  a  position  in  the  law  office  of  A. 
W.  Hope,  ex-mayor,  where  he  read  law.  Coming  to 
Chicago  in  1881,  he  was  employed  by  Price's  Baking 
Powder  Company  for  eight  years.  He  is  a  good  or- 
ganizer, a  fluent  speaker,  industrious,  and  a  repre- 
sentative man  of  his  race. 


Captain  J.  Norman  Croker,  Inspector  of  Rifle  Practice. 
Dr.  J.  'Norman  Croker  is  the  son  of  John  N.  and 
Sarah  Croker  of  Richmond,  Ind.  Having  left  his 
parental  home,  he  claimed  Chicago  as  his  residence. 
He  began  his  education  in  the  Indiana  public  schools. 
Later  he  attended  the  Wilberforce  University  for  a 
period  of  three  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  the 
Western  metropolis  to  complete  a  course  of  medicine. 
After  arriving  here  he  found  himself  short  in  funds 
and  was  unable  to  enter  college.  He  therefore  went 
to  work  for  two  years  as  a  clerk  in  a  downtown  cloth- 
ing house.  He  then  entered  the  Medical  College  of 
the  Northwestern  University.  In  the  meantime  he 
was  clerk  in  the  county  treasurer's  office,  under  Col. 
Geo.  R.  Davis,  and  in  the  assessor's  and  collector's  of- 
fices. In  1889,  he  entered  the  Rush  Medical  College  of 
Lake  Forest,  and  after  taking  a  complete  hospital  and 
medical  course,  graduated  in  1890,  as  number  fourteen 
in  a  class  of  ninety-seven  students.  Dr.  D.  H.  Wil- 


22  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

liams  was  selected  by  him  as  his  preceptor,  who,  of 
course,  desired  him  to  locate  in  Chicago.  His  choice 
of  locality  was  in  the  vicinity  of  State  and  Twenty- 
second  streets,  but  on  account  of  his  color,  he  was 
unable  to  secure  a  location  there,  until  Mr.  Franklin 
McVeagh,  who  was  a  friend  of  his,  secured  for  him 
the  present  location,  southeast  corner  of  State  and 
Twenty-second  streets,  where  he  succeeded  so  readily 
he  has  received  the  sobriquet,  "The  lucky  man."  The 
extension  of  his  practice  as  a  physician  compelled  him 
to  withdraw  from  the  battalion. 


First  Lieutenant  R.  J.  B.  Ellington,  Quartermaster. 
Lieutenant  Robt.  J.  B.  Ellington  was  born  at  Fred- 
ericksburg,  Va.,  November  22,  1848.  After  receiving 
a  very  good  education,  he  took  up  the  trade  of 
coopering,  at  which  he  worked  until  the  outbreak  of 
the  war.  Being  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  patriotism 
that  prevailed  in  the  Union  at  that  time  he  enlisted 
in  the  Fourth  Vermont  Volunteers  (infantry),  Second 
Brigade,  Second  Division  of  the  Sixth  Army  Corps. 
He  was  in  the  campaigns  of  the  Wilderness,  Freder- 
icksburg  and  Shenandoah  Valley.  At  the  close  of  the 
war  Robert,  drifting  with  the  tide  of  emigration,  found 
his  way  to  Chicago,  finding  employment  as  armorer 
of  the  First  Illinois  National  Guards.  He  rendered 
valuable  assistance  in  the  commissary  department  dur- 
in  the  Stock  Yards  riots.  He  is  a  high  Mason,  and 
took  a  prominent  part  in  organizing  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  Lodge,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  first  officers; 
and  he  also  is  an  ardent  lover  of  the  Eighth  Illinois. 


THE  NINT*      ATTALION—ITS  ORIGIN.          25 

Major  John  Clinton  Buckner,  Then  Commanding  Com- 
pany A,  Ninth  Battalion. 

Major  John  Clinton  Buckner  was  born  on  his  father's 
farm  in  Kendall  County.  111.  He  received  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  an  early  school  training  and  at  the  age 
of  fourteen  years  entered  the- John  Dillon  Grammar 
School,  at  Joliet,  111.,  and  in  time  graduated  therefrom 
with  honors.  Afterward  he  spent  two  years  at  the 
Northwestern  College,  at  Naperville,  111.  He  would 
have  completed  his  course,  but  ill  health  interfered. 
Seeing  new  and  strange  faces  and  things  fasci- 
nated Young  Buckner,  and  consequently  diverted  his 
desires  and  ambitions  from  farm  life  to  that  of  the 
city.  Accordingly  in  1876  he  became  a  full-fledged, 
bona  fide  resident  of  Chicago,  securing  employment 
at  first  in  the  Adams  &  Westlake  Brass  foundry,  after- 
ward working  for  the  well-known  caterer,  H.  M. 
Kinsley,  and  later  with  William  Werner.  Captain 
Buckner  being  one  of  the  principal  promoters  of  the 
battalion,  became  major,  succeeding  Major  B.  G.  John- 
son, who,  after  many  years  as  an  ardent  and  faithful 
leader,  resigned.  With  fresher  brains  and  renewed 
efforts,  at  this  juncture  the  Ninth  was  clamoring  for 
admittance  to  the  state  National  Guards.  Hence,  the 
scheme  of  electing  Major  Buckner  to  the  state  Legis- 
lature in  the  interest  of  the  battalion  and  the  entire 
negro  race  in  the  state  worked  like  a  charm,  and  was 
successful.  The  fact  of  electing  J.  C.  Buckner  to  the 
Legislature  not  only  gave  the  military  feature  a  state 
cognizance,  but  has  given  the  colored  people  of  Cook 
County,  Illinois,  a  standing  representation,  by  send- 


2")  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

ing  one  of  their  race  back  at  each  election.  Many 
persons  remember  the  Spring  Valley,  111.,  affair,  or 
riot,  in  1896,  when  Major  and  Representative  J.  C. 
Buckner,  upon  his  own  responsibility  and  taking  his 
life  in  his  hands,  proceeded  to  the  scene  of  disturbance 
and  caused  justice  to  be  meted  out  to  the  Negroes  of 
that  region,  and  to  use  a  slang  phrase,  he  made  it  so 
hot  for  them,  that  some  of  the  most  prominent  citizens 
had  to  skip  out,  including  the  mayor  of  the  town,  to 
escape  justice.  "The  leading  and  most  prominent 
citizen"  garb  did  not  work  as  well  in  Illinois  as  it  does 
in  other  states,  particularly  in  the  South.  To  support 
him,  the  boys  of  the  Ninth  Battalion  were  eager  to 
break  open  their  armory,  take  out  their  arms,  and  go 
down  there  to  revenge  the  wrongs  to  their  fellow  men, 
and  it  took  the  combined  energies  of  some  of  the 
more  conservative  members  of  the  race  to  overcome 
such  motives.  This  was  the  material  of  which  J.  C. 
Buckner s  battalion  was  composed. 


Captain  Walter  S.  Tipton,  Commander  of  Company  B. 

Captain  Walter  S.  Tipton  was  born  at  Mount  Ster- 
ling, Ky.,  in  1857.  When  but  a  boy  he  left  home  and 
went  to  Cincinnati,  O.,  where  he  received  his  educa- 
tion. He  took  up  the  profession  of  an  actor  and  be- 
came quite  well  known  in  the  minstrel  profession,  hav- 
ing traveled  extensively.  He  organized  Company  B 
and  was  unanimously  elected  its  first  captain.  He 
was  among  the  foremost  in  his  efforts  to  get  the  boys 
uniforms. 


THE  NINTH  BATTALION— ITS  ORIGIN.  27 

First  Lieutenant  John  H.  Johnson,  Company  B. 

First  Lieutenant  John  H.  Johnson  was  born  in  Balti- 
more Md.,  in  1858.  He  received  his  education  from  a 
normal  school  of  that  city.  In  1876  he  went  to  Provi- 
dence, R.  I.  While  there  he  joined  the  Burnside 
Guards,  as  a  drummer  boy.  In  1876  he  moved  to 
Boston,  Mass.,  to  live.  In  1879  ne  came  to  Chicago, 
and  when  the  Ninth  Battalion  was  organized  was 
elected  the  first  lieutenant  of  Company  B.  All  the  mem- 
bers of  his  company  speak  well  of  him. 


Second  Lieutenant  John  C.  Jordon,  Company  B. 

He  was  born  in  Baltimore,  in  1861,  and  obtained  an 
excellent  education  in  that  city.  His  first  experience 
as  a  soldier  was  begun  July  8,  1887,  as  private  in  the 
Baltimore  Rifles,  Maryland  National  Guards.  In  1881, 
while  the  state  troops  were  camped  at  Frederick, 
Major  Matthews,  one  of  the  officers  of  the  camp, 
highly  praised  him  for  his  soldierly  bearing,  and  he 
also  received  a  gold  medal  from  his  lieutenant,  Wil- 
liam E.  Filgham,  for  being  the  best  drilled  private. 
Afterward  he  was  promoted  to  a  corporal.  Later  on 
he  came  to  Chicago,  joining  Company  A,  and  was 
made  first  sergeant  upon  the  advancement  of  First 
Lieutenant  Buckner  to  the  captaincy.  Second  Lieuten- 
ant J.  R.  Marshall  was  made  first  lieutenant,  and  con- 
sequently first  sergeant  John  C.  Jordon  was  promoted 
to  second  lieutenant. 


Captain   Daniel   H.   Williams,   Assistant   Surgeon   of 

Ninth  Battalion. 
Captain    Daniel    H.    Williams,    assistant    surgeon 


28  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Ninth  Battalion,  was  born  at  Hallidaysburg,  Pa.,  in 
1857,  and  received  his  education  in  Wisconsin.  He 
graduated  from  the  Chicago  Medical  College  in  1883 
with  high  honors.  Afterward  he  was  a  surgeon  in 
the  South  Side  Dispensary  and  an  influential  member 
of  the  Illinois  State  Board  of  Health.  He  is  a  member 
of  the  Chicago  Medical  Association,  the  American 
Medical  Association,  the  Medico-Legal  Society,  etc. 
He  also  was  a  promoter  and  earnest  worker  in  the 
Provident  Hospital  and  Training  School  of  Chicago. 
He  was  also  called  to  Washington  City  as  chief  physi- 
cian in  the  Freedman  Hospital,  where  in  February, 
1897,  he  superintended  one  of  the  most  difficult  and 
miraculous  operations  that  was  ever  performed  in 
surgery  in  America. 


CHAPTER   II. 
THE  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  VOLUNTEERS. 

Of  ali  the  wars  and  conflicts  that  the  United  States 
government  has  been  concerned  in,  at  home  or  foreign, 
there  were  never  such  complications  and  diplomatic 
proficiency  brought  into  question  to  test  the  American 
statesmanship  as  has  the  late  American-Hispano  war, 
or  the  war  between  Spain  and  America.  Never  was 
there  a  war  that  has  brought  nations  and  even  races 
into  such  close  bearings  as  did  this  last  conflict.  And 
yet,  while  it  was  not  a  bloody  conflict  as  a  whole,  it 
was  a  beneficial  one,  not  only  to  the  Americans,  but  to 
the  entire  civilized  world.  Its  results  have  demon- 
strated the  effects  of  the  high  explosives  used  in  mod- 
ern warfare,  and  from  a  scientific  point  of  view  it  has 
proven  to  some  extent  the  results  of  naval  combats 
with  modern  men-of-war. 

These  are  not  all  of  the  benefits  derived  from  this 
last  war;  it  has  brought  abruptly  to  a  close  the  long, 
irresistible,  oppressive  and  barbarous  misrule  of  the 
once  proud  and  haughty  Castilian  scepter  upon  this, 
the  free  soil  of  the  American  continent. 

Then  there  is  another  question  it  has  settled;  a 
most  perplexing  problem,  the  consequences  of  which 
have  been  determined,  and  that  is,  this  war  has  proven 
to  the  satisfaction  of  the  entire  world  that  a  once  de- 

29 


30  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

jected,  oppressed  and  much  despised  people,  namely, 
the  Negro  race,  is  capable  of  assisting  in  all  human 
affairs.  The  subject  has  often  been  argued  and  sus- 
tained, and  it  yet  predominates  in  some  minds,  and  is 
believed  by  a  few  prejudiced  and  bigoted  people,  that 
the  North  American  Negro  is,  and  has  forever  been,  an 
irresponsible,  unreliable  and  nonchalant  human  be- 
ing, willing  rather  to  be  led  than  to  be  a  leader:  to 
follow  rather  than  to  be  followed.  Let  us  notice  this 
fallacy  and  follow  the  career  of  the  black  brother. 

For  more  than  two  centuries  the  Negro  soldiers  have 
had  to  feign  content,  while  their  well-deserved  honors 
were  thrust  upon  their  white  brother's  head. 

How  remarkable  the  fact  that  the  Negro  soldier, 
though  having  been  cheated  out  of  his  just  deserts, 
not  only  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  when  the  black  man 
was  not  only  the  first  to  fall,  but  the  first  to  lose  his 
life's  blood  in  behalf  of  his  country's  glory,  and  in  be- 
half of  union  and  liberty,  in  the  personage  of  Crispus 
Attucks,  but,  also,  in  the  wars  of  1812  and  1848  the 
Negro  soldier  was  found  indispensable.  They  were 
not  utilized  in  the  fighting  capacity  alone,  but  in  build- 
ing bridges,  felling  trees,  to  impede  the  enemy's  ad- 
vance, throwing  up  breastworks  and  digging  trenches, 
all  of  which  were  essential  in  warfare.  And  in  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion  in  the  United  States,  when  the 
Negro's  destiny  was  at  stake,  the  then  degraded  slave 
and  chattel  fought  most  bravely  and  desperately  for 
his  liberty  and  freedom.  But  the  crowning  glory  and 
credit  were  awarded  to  the  Caucasian  officers  who 
had  commanded  and  led  them,  and  after  the  battle  and 
victory  the  Negro  soldier  was  told :  "You  have  fought 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS."  31 

bravely  and  well.     Now  go  home  and  be  good  servants 
and  be  obedient  to  your  masters." 

Upon  all  occasions,  in  every  emergency  and  in  every 
cause  wherein  the  love  of  union,  liberty  and  freedom 
was  involved,  the  black  soldier  has  always  been  the 
first  of  his  countrymen  to  respond  to  his  country's  call 
and  answer  "Yes." 

When  the  pride  and  governmental  honor  of  this 
great  republic  of  ours  was  insulted  and  the  stars  and 
stripes  of  our  nation  were  ruthlessly  assaulted;  when  the 
236  white  American  seamen  and  the  30  brave  colored 
men,  under  the  same  circumstances,  were  blown  up, 
right  at  the  gates  of  their  home  shore,  the  Negro  sol- 
dier was  among  the  first  to  seek  revenge  through  the 
medium  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Regiment, 
and  his  earnest  appeal,  his  constant  cry  was:  "Give 
us  a  chance.  We  don't  need  white  officers  for  our 
leaders,  we  can  lead  ourselves,"  and  when,  in  response 
to  his  pleadings,  he  was  given  a  chance  and  accorded 
the  privilege  of  demonstrating  to  the  world  his  valor 
and  patriotism,  nearly  one  thousand  three  hundred 
Afro-Americans  on  the  morning  of  the  thirteenth  of 
July,  1898,  at  Camp  Tanner,  Springfield,  111.,  held  up 
their  right  hands  and  avowed  loyalty  and  allegiance  to 
the  government  of  the  United  States.  Such  an  oath 
was  taken  before  the  mustering  officer  of  the  United 
States,  Major  Ballou. 

Was  the  Negro  going  to  do  battle  the  second  time  for 
honors  he  had  already  won?  As  being  a  brave  and 
valiant  soldier  in  time  of  war  and  a  law-abiding,  lib- 
erty-loving citizen  in  time  of  peace?  No.  His  en- 
listment this  time  called  upon  him  to  do  combat  for 


32  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

humanity's  sake.  And  he  was  equally  willing  and 
anxious  to  assist  in  the  liberation  of  another  oppressed 
and  downtrodden  people  who  were  fighting  for  their 
rights  and  privileges — the  Cubans.  Nor  was  this  all 
he  had  pledged  himself  to  do.  He  had  voluntarily 
sworn  that  he  would  uphold  and  protect  the  flag  of 
his  country — the  stars  and  stripes — which  was  most 
grossly  insulted  on  that  fatal  night  when  the  ill-fated 
Maine  went  down  to  the  bottom  of  the  waters  of  a 
then  supposed  friendly  nation — Spain.  He  was  also 
going  to  do  vengeance  against  the  treacherous  mur- 
derers of  those  266  brave  seamen  who  met  their  fate 
right  under  the  frowning  guns  of  Moro  Castle,  in 
Havana  Bay,  and  within  a  hundred  miles  of  their  home 
shore.  Such  a  daring  and  dastardly  deed  will  never 
be  obliterated  nor  blotted  from  the  annals  of  Ameri- 
can history,  neither  will  it  die  out  in  the  hearts  of  the 
young  patriotic  sons  of  America. 

For  over  three  hundred  years  Spain  had  held  a  des- 
potic sway  over  many  islands  of  the  Caribbean  Sea, 
including  the  greater  portion  of  the  South  American 
continent.  From  time  to  time  she  had  been  forced 
to  relinquish  possession  after  possession,  province 
after  province,  until  only  two  were  left  to  further  en- 
dure her  oppression  and  iron-handed  misgovernment. 
In  1868  the  island  of  Cuba,  the  second  last,  the  rich- 
est and  most  productive  of  her  many  possessions,  de- 
termined to  discard  or  repel  the  oppressive  and  tyran- 
nical misrule  of  Spain  by  instituting  and  waging  a 
vigorous  war  against  her,  which  continued  unabated 
for  ten  years,  until  1878,  and  even  then  they  did  not 
cease  their  hostilities  until  Spain,  through  duplicity 


"THE  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS."  33 

and  false  promises,  made  concessions  and  treaties, 
which  she  afterward  violated  and  broke.  The  insur- 
gents had  laid  down  their  arms  to  false  terms  and 
diplomatic  trickery  and  disbanded. 

Spain's  deception  had  its  desired  effect,  and  she  be- 
gan anew  her  tyranny  and  oppression,  levying  tax 
after  tax  upon  the  poor  Cuban,  until  he  barely  could 
live.  He  even  had  to  pay  a  tax  upon  tlie  letters  in  a 
sign  that  hung  over  the  door  of  his  little  place  of  busi- 
ness. While  the  Spaniard  was  exempted  from  most 
taxes,  it  required  only  to  be  known  that  a  resident 
was  a  Cuban,  and  not  in  sympathy  with  the  govern- 
ment of  Spain,  to  incur  the  heaviest  of  taxation..  The 
poor  Cubans,  having  disbanded,  disposed  of  their 
arms  and  munitions,  had  naught  to  do  but  become  sub- 
jected again  to  a  greater  degree  of  oppression  and 
tyranny  than  before. 

On  February  24,  1895,  there  was  another,  and  the 
last  uprising  or  insurrection  among  the  Cubans,  who 
were  determined  this  time  to  endure  taxation  and  im- 
position no  longer.  With  well  prepared  plans  there 
were  fought  in  Los  Negros  (Black  Forest),  in  the 
province  of  Santiago  de  Cuba,  three  fierce  and  im- 
portant battles.  These  battles  occurred  simultane- 
ously in  three  towns — Jiguari,  Baire  and  Guantanamo. 
These  were  the  first  real  combats  of  the  last  insurrec- 
tion and  the  results  were  effective.  They  being 
fought  on  the  same  day  and  almost  at  the  same  hour, 
the  blow  was  sudden  and  decisive. 

The  leading  generals  in  this  movement  were  Gen- 
erals Marti  and  Jesus  Rabi.  General  Rabi  lives,  when 
at  home,  in  the  mountains  near  Palma,  Soriano  de 


34  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Cuba,  but  is  at  this  writing  in  command  of  the  insur- 
gent army  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  island,  being 
commander-in-chief  of  the  army  of  Eastern  Cuba.  The 
insurrection  spread  rapidly  and  the  aspect  became 
graver  when  the  invincible  Antonio  Maceo  and  Gen- 
eral Marti  came  back  to  the  scenes  of  war.  General 
Marti  still  lives  in  San  Luis  de  Cuba.  Jose  Maceo, 
the  young,  brave  general  and  brother  of  Antonio 
Maceo,  General  Castillo,  who  had  such  a  miraculous 
escape  at  one  time  in  coming  to  America,  and  General 
Roloff,  of  filibuster  fame,  were  all  noted  fighters. 
Calixto  Garcia  and  Maximo  Gomez  were  living  in 
banishment  from  the  island  on  account  of  the  last 
conflict,  but  upon  the  final  uprising  they  hurried  back 
to  the  island,  took  up  the  gauntlet  once  more,  and  for 
the  last  time  against  cruel  Spain.  Then  there  is  that 
tall,  straight,  black  Cuban  general,  Quintin  Bandaras, 
"Old  Defiant,"  who  disobeyed  the  orders  of  General 
Gomez  and  fought  most  independently,  yet  valiantly 
and  victoriously  in  the  province  of  Santa  Clara.  He 
it  was  who  was  at  the  head  of  all  the  black  Cuban  cav- 
alry, and  he  also  captured  the  capital  city  of  Santa 
Clara,  with  her  thirty-eight  thousand  inhabitants.  At 
present  Gen.  Quintin  Bandaras  resides  in  a  Santiago 
de  Cuba  suburb,  and  whenever  he  passes  through  a 
calle  there  is  always  a  crowd  to  follow.  He  is  much 
respected  and  honored. 

I  feel  that  it  is  a  good  opportunity  here  to  mention 
the  most  noted  generals  who  took  part  in  this  last 
struggle.  There  were  many  daring  ones,  and  brave, 
even  to  a  fault,  such  as  the  Maceos,  previously  spoken 
of,  the  young  Texan  hero,  General  Anrenguren,  who 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS."  35 

was  only  twenty-six  years  of  age  when  he  sacrificed 
his  life  in  behalf  of  the  Cuban  cause,  being  ambushed 
and  killed  right  upon  the  threshold  of  his  sweetheart's 
home.  He  it  was  who  gave  that  most  cruel  Spanish 
general,  Fondevilia,  so  much  trouble  and  uneasiness 
in  the  province  of  Pinar  del  Rio  and  in  Habana  prov- 
ince, around  the  suburbs  of  the  city  of  Havana,  chiefly 
Guanabacoa,  many  times  chasing  the  cowardly  Span- 
iard right  up  to  the  gate  of  the  city  of  Havana. 

The  most  noted  of  these  many  Cuban  generals  are 
four  in  number,  to  wit:  Gen.  Maximo  Gomez,  born 
in  Kingston,  Jamaica,  who  was  the  commander-in- 
chief  of  the  entire  Cuban  army,  and  who  led  the  white 
infantry  ;  Gen.  Antonio  Maceo,  who  was 'at  the  head  of 
the  black  infantry ;  Calixto  Garcia,  who  led  the  white 
cavalry,  and  Gen.  Quintin  Bandaras,  who  commanded 
the  black  cavalry,  which  numbered,,  at  the  time  he  cap- 
tured Santa  Clara,  atiout  six  thousand  cavalrymen. 
Let  us  notice  this  grand  army — white  soldiers  under 
white  officers  and  black  soldiers  under  black  leader- 
ship, all  fighting  in  unison  and  harmony  together. 
They  were  not  struggling  for  a  white  cause  or  a  black 
supremacy,  but  for  Cuba  libre. 

Philippi  Maceo  is  still  living  at  this  writing.  He 
resides  in  Santiago  de  Cuba,  and  while  not  a  partici- 
pant in  this  last  struggle,  was  a  veteran  of  the  war  of 
1868.  Senora  Maceo,  widow  of  Antonio  Maceo,  is 
still  residing  in  Santiago  de  Cuba,  with  her  little  son. 
She  stayed  in  Kingston,  Jamaica,  during  the  struggle, 
but  after  the  war  was  declared  at  an  end,  returned 
to  her  home,  her  own  dear  native  land.  The  last 
named  generals,  Bandaras  and  Maceo,  we  make  men- 


36  "THE   EIGHTH  ILLINOIS." 

tion  of  and  mark  with  more  stress,  because  they  were 
more  or  less  identified  with  the  Negro  race,  and  the 
mere  fact  of  their  being  Cubans  did  not  exempt  them 
from  the  nomenclature  of  "Negro,"  for  nominally  they 
were  such,  as  the  term  "Negro"  (niger)  or  black,  per- 
taining to  individuals  of  a  darker  hue,  has  been 
stamped  upon  the  pages  of  the  white  man's  history,  be 
they  Americans,  Cubans,  Castilians,  French,  or  any 
other  nationality.  Hence,  these  last-named  generals 
were  termed  and  identified  with  the  Negro  of  America, 
and  hence  the  cause  for  which  they  fought  and  strug- 
gled elicited  the  feelings  and  even  the  sympathies  of 
the  members  of  the  Eighth  Illinois,  saying  nothing  of 
the  allegiance  they  avowed  to  the  government  of  the 
United  States. 

Therefore,  when  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
urged  upon  by  emergencies  and  respect  for  his  coun- 
try's pride  and  honor,  issued  a*  call  on  Ihe  23d  day  of 
April,  1898,  for  125,000  volunteer  soldiers  to  re-en- 
force the  regular  army  of  the  United  States,  it  was  then 
that  the  members  of  the  military  organization  known 
and  recognized  as  the  Ninth  Battalion  of  the  state  of 
Illinois,  and  a  part  of  the  state  militia,  proffered  their 
services  and  were  among  the  first  of  their  countrymen 
to  offer  themselves  and  their  lives,  if  necessary,  for 
the  cause  of  humanity,  honor  and  liberty.  Though 
their  services  were  not  accepted  on  account  of  preju- 
dice and  a  lack  of  confidence  in  the  colored  brother, 
his  oft-heard  cry  was,  "Give  us  a  chance;  give  us  a 
leadership." 

Public  indignation  and  excitement  were  rife.  The 
United  States  government  was  confronted  by  a  war 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS."  37 

with  Spain ;  men  were  needed  and  accepted  irrespective 
of  race  or  color.  So,  when  the  president  issued  a  sec- 
ond call  for  25,000  volunteer  soldiers,  which  was  on 
the  25th  day  of  May,  1898,  that  prejudicial  barrier  was 
broken  down  and  on  the  28th  day  of  June,  1898,  John 
R.  Tanner,  governor  of  the  state  of  Illinois,  caused  to 
be  stamped  upon  the  annals  of  the  state  of  Illinois  the 
birth  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  National  Guards,  composed 
entirely,  from  colonel  to  private,  of  colored  men,  of 
the  state  of  Illinois,  the  only  colored  regiment  in  our 
history  commanded  entirely  by  Afro-Americans.  It 
bespoke  a  new  era  to  the  Negro  loyalist  of  the  Union. 

The  President  made  a  requisition  on  Governor  John 
R.  Tanner  for  a  second  quota  of  men.  The  governor, 
having  identified  himself  with  the  boys  of  the  Eighth 
Regiment,  believing  in  their  worth  and  having  confi- 
dence in  their  valor,  subsequently  tendered  their  services 
to  the  president  and  the  war  department.  After  much 
deliberation  and  speculation,  accompanied  by  the  untir- 
ing efforts  of  Governor  Tanner,  the  Eighth  Regiment 
Illinois  National  Guards  became,  on  the  i3th  day  of 
'  July,  1898,  at  Camp  Tanner,  Springfield,  111.,  members 
of  the  United  States  volunteer  army,  to  be  known  as 
the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Regiment  (infantry). 
They  were  sworn  into  the  government  service  by 
Major  Ballou,  of  the  United  States  regular  army. 

The  oath  that  was  taken  required  that  the  men 
should  serve  the  government  for  a  period  of  two  years, 
unless  sooner  discharged.  About  this  time  great  and 
varied  preparations  were  being  enacted  and  consum- 
mated with  regard  to  sending  and  distributing  United 
States  soldiers  in  the  different  provinces  of  Cuba,  espe- 


38  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

daily   the   most    strategic   and    important   provinces, 
which  were  Havana  and  Santiago  de  Cuba. 

It  was  decided  upon  by  the  War  Department  and  the 
President  to  finish  the  fight  and  occupy  the  island  with 
a  volunteer  army  and  recall  the  regulars  and  the  vol- 
unteers who  had  struck  the  first  and  fatal  blow.  The 
rainy  season,  which  had  then  begun,  together  with  the 
hardships  and  deprivations  they  had  undergone  and 
endured,  had  greatly  decimated  the  ranks  of  the 
American  soldiers  in  Cuba.  Typhoid,  yellow  and 
malarial  fevers  were  beginning  to  be  prevalent  and 
rampant,  therefore  it  was  advisable  to  withdraw  the 
former  army  and  supplant  it  with  the  new,  fresh  vol- 
unteer army.  There  were  many  speculations  on  the 
part  of  the  many  regimental  commanders  or  colonels 
as  to  who  should  get  to  the  front  the  first  and  as  to 
what  provinces  they  would  be  consigned  to,  Havana  or 
Santiago  de  £uba.  The  requirements  seemed  to 
point  toward  the  scenes  of  Moro  Castle  and  San  Juan 
Hill  at  Santiago.  The  Eighth  and  Ninth  Illinois,  hav- 
ing been  called  out  by  the  state,  also  took  the  fever  of 
going  to  the  front,  and  the  trend  of  their  ambition  was 
for  Santiago.  Both  commands  arrived  at  Camp  Tan- 
ner the  same  week,  the  Ninth,  or  Congressman  Camp- 
bell's command,  and  the  Eighth,  under  Maj.  J.  R.  Mar- 
shall. The  former  arriving  at  Camp  Tanner  Monday, 
June  27,  1898,  and  the  Eighth  reaching  there  four  days 
later,  which  was  July  I,  1898,  and  neither  regiment 
having  its  full  quota  of  men,  they  began  recruiting  at 
once,  and  there  was  great  rivalry  between  the  two 
commands  as  to  which  would  be  called  first.  Gover- 
nor Tanner  was  urged  upon,  on  one  side,  to  get  the 


•"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS:'  33 

Ninth  away  the  first,  while  on  the  other  side  the  friends 
of  the  Eighth  were  pressing  matters  for  their  regi- 
ment. It  seemed  for  a  while  that  it  would,  be  first 
come,  first  served;  a  game  of  chance,  or  the  first  to 
recruit  up  to  the  standard  and  be  mustered  in,  the  first 
to  go.  The  Eighth  was  the  first  to  get  a  full  list  of 
men.  It  could  have  taken  a  full  regiment  from  Chi- 
cago, but  six  companies  from  Chicago  were  all  that 
were  allowed,  the  regiment  being  augmented  by  six 
other  companies  from  Southern  Illinois. 

It  was  an  incident,  well  worthy  of  laughter,  to  see 
Maj.  J.  R.  Marshall  borrowing  men  from  the  Chicago 
companies  to  fill  up  the  other  six  companies.  It  was 
a  case  of  trade,  borrow  and  promise,  and  as  has  been 
said,  an  observer,  taking  note  of  the  situation,  really 
would  have  to  laugh  at  Colonel  Marshall,  hustling  here 
and  there  in  his  shirt  sleeves,  for  the  sun  was  very  hot 
those  July  days.  He  would  hold  up  first  one  captain 
and  then  another,  borrowing  men,  and  the  captain 
for  whom  the  man  was  wanted  would  be  following, 
boy-like,  in  his  wake.  Presently  Marshall  would 
break  away,  giving  that  usual,  familiar  laugh  of  his. 
He  would  have  his  man.  Then  you  would  see  a  pri- 
vate with  a  little  bundle  in  his  hand  emerge  from  a 
tent.  He  would  look  back  and  say,  "Well,  good-by, 
boys."  Another  would  ask :  "Where  are  you  going, 
pal  ?"  "Oh !  Colonel  Marshall  is  going  to  put  me  in 
company  K,"  or  L  or  M,  or  whatever  company  it  might 
be,  and  the  colonel  and  captain  would  walk  away  vic- 
torious and  satisfied.  This  condition  of  affairs  lasted 
about  four  days,  and  Colonel  Marshall  had  the  roster 
of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment  complete, 


40  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS" 

In  the  meantime  Colonel  Campbell  had  been  down  in 
the  state,  brought  in  a  trainload  of  new,  fresh  farmer 
boys,  raised  his  regiment  to  the  numerical  standard,  and 
prepared  to  have  them  sworn  in  by  presenting  them  to 
the  state  adjutant-general,  Reece,  who  in  turn  had 
Major  Ballou  begin  mustering  them  in,  which  work  was 
begun  on  Wednesday,  July  6,  1898,  and  by  Tuesday  of 
the  next  week  the  Ninth  Illinois  Volunteers  were 
United  States  soldiers. 

Colonel  Marshall  having  been  bested  in  this,  the  first 
bout  and  preliminaries,  being  undaunted,  turned  his  en- 
ergies toward  the  colonelistic  plum,  when  it  should 
have  fallen.  There  was  a  great  strife  for  the  colonelcy 
of  the  Eighth  Illinois.  To  be  colonel  of  this  experi- 
mental and  speculative  body  of  men  would  be  note- 
worthy and  famous.  Therefore  there  were  quite  a  few 
candidates  for  the  leadership.  The  three  warmest  con- 
testants were  John  C.  Buckner,  major  and  a  representa- 
tive of  the  state  of  Illinois ;  Charles  G.  Young  of  Ohio, 
who  was  a  West  Point  graduate  and  major  of  a  bat- 
talion in  Ohio,  and  the  successful  candidate,  Maj.  J.  R. 
Marshall,  who  was  major  of  the  old  Ninth  Battalion 
Illinois  National  Guards. 

Then  there  were  aspirants  of  the  white  race,  who 
knew  a  good  thing  when  they  saw  it ;  whose  bosoms 
were  animated  with  the  ambition  of  leading  this  famous 
body  of  soldiers  to  the  front.  But  the  Hame  of  their 
aspirations  was  quickly  extinguished  by  the  constant 
and  exclamatory  cry  of  the  Negro  race,  the  Negro 
press  and  coherents  of,  "Give  the  Eighth  Illinois  a 
Negro  colonel  for  their  leader!"  coupled  with  the  ap- 
plicants' cry  of  "Give  us  a  chance !" 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS."  41 

For  many  .days  there  was  a  lull ;  the  fight  for  leader- 
ship seemed  to  have  abated.  The  members  of  the 
Eighth  were  held  in  suspense.  They  were  growing 
tired  of  the  inactivity  of  the  soldier  life  of  Camp  Tan- 
ner. They  wanted  to  enjoy  other  scenes,  and  clamored 
for  a  change. 

It  was  just  one  week  after  the  Ninth  was  mustered 
in,  when  on  Wednesday,  July  13,  1898,  the  Eighth 
Illinois  was  mustered  in.  Then  there  was  a  little  jocu- 
lar scen'e  enacted  when  some  one  remarked :  "Boys, 
they've  got  us  now.  Suppose  they  give  us  a  white 
man  for  a  colonel,  instead  of  a  colored  man.  What  're 
you  going  to  do  then?"  "I'll  desert,"  answered  one. 
"I  will,  too,"  remarked  the  second.  "We  will  commit 
mutiny,"  sanctioned  many  more.  Then  one  big,  con- 
servative fellow  said  :  "Oh !  fellows,  it's  no  use  to  start 
anything  now.  The  stuff's  off.  If  you  start  anything 
now  Uncle  Sam  would  go  out  West  and  fetch  the  whole 
of  the  United  States  regulars  and  turn  them  loose  on 
you.  What  you  going  to  do  then?"  Finally  we  all 
returned  to  our  company  streets  and  spent  the  after- 
noon and  evening  in  gossiping. 

It  was  interesting  to  see  such  a  ragged,  motley  set  of 
United  States  soldiers  as  we  were.  There  could  not 
be  found  a  good  pair  of  pants,  a  whole  coat  or  a  decent 
pair  of  shoes  in  all  the  companies.  The  day  after  our 
regiment  was  mustered  in  and  about  ten  o'clock  in  the 
morning  we  began  electing  our  captains.  Having  done 
this,  it  remained  for  them  to  be  commissioned,  which 
was  done  soon  after. 

The  day  was  very  hot.  Old  Sol  had  nearly  reached 
the  zenith,  when  one  of  the  sentries  at  the  dome  build- 


42  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

ing,  which  was  the  headquarters  of  General  Reece  and 
Major  Ballou,  told  one  of  the  soldiers  that  was  passing 
that  Maj.  J.  R.  Marshall  and  field  staff  were  inside  be- 
ing commissioned.  This  was  too  good  news  to  keep 
secret,  so  down  through  the  company  and  regimental 
streets  he  went,  telling  every  soldier  he  met:  "The 
thing  is  settled  now  ;  Major  Marshall's  going  to  be  our 
colonel."  "Ah !  go  on  fellow ;  that's  another  one  of 
them  black  dispatches."  Then  the  dispenser  of  the 
news,  becoming  exasperated,  stopped  right  still  and 
said,  "This  is  a  sure  thing,  this  pop,  fellow,  'cause  they 
got  him  right  over  there  to  the  dome  building,  fixing 
him  up  now."  It  was  but  a  few  minutes  before  there 
was  a  ragged,  dusty,  hilarious  crowd  of  about  thirty- 
five  or  forty  boys,  emanating  from  every  company  in 
the  regiment,  and  resembling  a  small  mob  or  riot, 
marching  on  toward  the  dome  building.  "What's  the 
matter  ?"  was  asked  by  many  a  one ;  but  the  excitement 
was  too  great ;  no  one  had  time  to  tell  anything.  Fi- 
nally they  passed  out  of  view  around  the  southwest  cor- 
ner of  the  building.  We  did  not  have  to  wait  long  to  as- 
certain the  facts.  In  a  very  short  time  the  crowd  reap- 
peared from  around  the  corner  of  the  building,  noisier 
than  ever,  and  all  clamoring  for  the  central  spot,  for 
right  in  the  center,  upon  the  shoulders  of  five  or  six 
men,  sat  Col.  J.  R.  Marshall  of  the  Eighth  Regiment, 
who,  after  having  received  his  commission  as  colonel 
of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment  of  the  United  States 
Volunteer  Army,  and  the  first  colored  colonel  who  was 
ever  commissioned  by  the  government  of  the  United 
States,  was  carried  by  the  boys  from  one  end  of  the 
camp  to  the  other,  exclaiming  as  they  went,  "Who  is 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS."  43 

the  colonel  of  the  Eighth  Illinois?"  and  answering, 
"Col.  J.  R.  Marshall."  "What's  the  matter  with  Col- 
onel Marshall?"  Answer,  "He's  ail  right."  "Who  is 
all  right?"  "Colonel  Marshall."  "Hip,  hip,  hip, 
hurrah !  for  Col.  J.  R.  Marshall."  After  they  became 
satiated  with  this  he  was  let  down  to  the  ground,  and 
bending  him  over,  each  man  took  one  light  tap  at  him 
with  a  paddle  that  was  made  for  the  purpose,  after 
which  he  was  turned  loose  and  went  to  his  quarters. 
Each  respective  major,  captain  and  lieutenant  was 
hunted  down  by  members  of  their  companies  and  com- 
mands, and  were  treated  in  the  same  manner,  after 
which  the  men  disbanded,  going  to  their  tents  satisfied 
and  contented,  and  I  am  proud  to  say  they  have  been, 
upon  the  whole,  contented,  subservient  and  obedient  to 
all  commands  and  orders  throughout  their  services  as 
members  of  the  United  States  Volunteer  Army ;  and 
though  being  away  from  their  homes  and  kindred  for 
more  than  nine  long,  hot  and  laborious  months,  some 
times  fed,  and  some  times  hungry,  they  were  returned 
to  their  homes  and  mustered  out,  even  with  less 
emolument  from  the  government  than  they  expected, 
they  bid  their  command  adieu,  separated  like  brothers, 
like  men,  like  soldiers,  undemonstrative,  but  with  con- 
tent, passing  onward  to  their  families  and  friends,  back 
into  the  walks  of  the  civilian  and  citizen,  without  a 
word  of  discontent  or  a  murmur,  thus  closing  an  epoch 
in  the  history  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment. 

The  colonelship  having  been  settled,  and  the  two 
regiments  being  satisfied  as  far  as  the  command  or 
leadership  was  concerned,  attention  was  turned  to  the 
question  as  to  who  was  to  be  sent  to  Cuba.  The  bovs 


44  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

of  the  Ninth  were  seeking  a  chance  to  distinguish  them- 
selves, while  on  the  other  hand  the  Eighth  was  just 
as  eager  as  its  opponent  in  courting  fame  and  honor 
for  itself,  and  to  make  a  new  era  for  the  negro 
race,  and  it  was  a  fact  beyond  questioning  that  the  ex- 
istence, the  conduct,  deportment  and  military  achieve- 
ments of  the  Eighth  would  characterize  and  shape  the 
future  destiny  of  the  entire  negro  race  in  America  and 
elsewhere,  not  only  as  soldiers,  but  as  civilians,  and  as 
citizens  full  fledged  in  all  the  vicissitudes  and  walks  of 
life.  They  could  be  rejected  with  impunity,  or  be  ac- 
cepted as  being  capable  and  reliable,  according  to  their 
failure  or  success.  It  was  the  first — the  individual  duty 
of  each  commissioned  and  non-commissioned  officer, 
and  even  each  private,  to  act  toward  each  other  as  to 
not  only  incur  the  favor  of  the  American  government, 
but  to  be  respected  by  the  many  civilized  nations  of  the 
world.  I  believe  they  have  won  the  admiration  of  them 
all. 

Though  their  deportment  and  services  were  so  char- 
acterized as  to  bring  all  but  success  in  abating  that 
prejudical  barrier,  it  has  had  a  great  tendency  in  allevi- 
ating to  some  marked  degree  that  racial  hatred  in  all 
parts,  exclusive  of  the  haunts  of  the  lynching  bee. 
The  military  factor  having  done  its  part,  it  is  now  ieft 
to  the  intellectual,  industrial  and  educational,  coherents 
to  affix  the  seal. 

There  had  to  be  a  compromise.  It  was  not  expedi- 
ent for  the  War  Department  to  dispatch  both  the 
Eighth  and  Ninth  regiments  to  Santiago  at  the  same 
time,  neither  was  it  convenient  to  do  so,  owing  to  the 
lack  of  oceanic  transportation,  hence,  it  was  decided  to 


•    "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS."  45 

send  the  Ninth  Illinois  to  Chickamauga  Park  to  be  ac- 
climated to  the  burning  rays  of  the  tropical  sun,  which 
they  would  have  to  endure  if  sent  to  Cuba;  while  on 
the  other  hand  it  was  agreed  that  the  colored  boys 
would  be  better  adapted  to  the  hot  weather  they  would 
be  expected  to  experience  on  the  island. 

Near,  or  about,  the  1st  of  August  the  Ninth  received 
orders  to  break  camp.  There  was  just  beginning  to 
grow  a  friendly  and  soldierly  feeling  between  the  two 
rival  regiments — the  black  and  the  white — but  they 
were  separated  and  the  Ninth  Illinois  was  off  for  the 
southern  military  park. 

Onjor  about  the  5th  of  August  Colonel  Marshall  re- 
ceived a  telegraphic  message :  "Be  ready  to  break  camp 
in  forty-eight  hours."  When  he  imparted  the  news  to 
the  first  battalion,  through  their  major  or  the  adjutant, 
it  was  at  retreat.  To  say  that  excitement  was  rife  would 
be  putting  it  mild.  Following  this  order  came  one  of 
greater  expectancy :  "Send  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regi- 
ment to  Santiago  de  Cuba,  via  New  York  City." 
Words  are  inadequate  to  describe  the  scene  at  the  re- 
ception of  this  intelligence.  Sunday  morning,  August 
7th,  found  Camp  Tanner  in  a  bedlam.  All  that  was 
left  of  the  Ninth  were  broken  boxes,  boards  and  some 
straw  scattered  around  promiscuously.  In  the  quarters 
of  the  Eighth  tents,  boxes  and  pack-rolls  were  piled 
up  everywhere.  Guns,  bayonets  and  canteens  were 
stacked  together  in  all  directions,  wagons  were  passing 
to  and  fro,  loaded  with  ammunition  and  equipments, 
commissioned  officers,  sergeants  and  corporals  were 
giving  orders  and  taking  them,  and  every  private  was 
busy  as  could  be  executing  the  same. 


46  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

About  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  it  began  to  rain 
very  hard.  The  cloud  bath  was  unheeded.  Camp 
breaking  went  on  just  the  same.  The  Eighth  was  going 
to  Cuba,  and  water  was  no  deterrent.  Everything  hav- 
ing been  put  in  the  cars,  except  the  cooks'  kitchens 
and  mess  tables,  the  boys  repaired  to  the  grand  stand 
(the  camp  was  in  the  fair  grounds)  to  sleep  for  the 
night.  The  seats  were  the  beds  of  the  soldiers  that 
night.  Some  were  having  dreams  of  farawav  Cuba, 
and  of  battlefields ;  some  having  visions  of  home  and 
friends,  and  others  were  peering  through  the  darkness 
of  the  night,  expecting  every  moment  to  see  the  head- 
light of  an  engine  bringing  cars  to  take  them  on  their 
journey.  Such  was  the  state  of  many  minds. 

The  dawn  of  Monday  morning  and  the  sounds  of 
reveille  found  them  in  the  same  expectancy.  The  day 
was  spent  in  anxiety  and  song.  Among  some  of  the 
songs  were,  "God  be  with  you  till  we  meet  again," 
"Will  they  miss  me  at  home,  will  they  miss  me," 
"Stand  by  your  purpose  true,"  and  others  of  similar 
strain. 

About  3  o'clock  p.  m.  there  was  a  long  string  of 
coaches  came  creeping  slowly  and  noiselessly  up  to 
the  platform,  where  we  were  to  get  aboard,  then  an- 
other; still  another.  They  were  the  forty-six  cars  in 
four  sections  that  were  to  bear  the  Eighth  Regiment 
away  on  their  journey  to  the  scenes  of  war — a  yell 
rent  the  air.  It  put  the  officers  to  their  energies,  to 
form  us  into  companies,  march  us  to  the  dome  build- 
ing to  get  our  first  government  pay,  preparatory  to 
taking  the  train. 

However,  the  difficult  task  was  accomplished.    The 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 


47 


regiment  was  in  the  coaches  and  sentinels  on  each  step 
to  prevent  the  men  from  getting  off,  buying  "red-eye," 
or  a  possible  chance  of  being  left. 


CHAPTER  III. 
ROSTER  OF  THE  EIGHTH. 

The  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  as  it  was 
mustered  into  United  States  service  at  Camp  Tanner, 
July  13,  1898,  conisted  of  the  following  officers  and 
privates : 

FIELD  AND  STAFF  OFFICERS. 

Colonel John  R.  Marshall 

Lieutenant  Colonel James  H.  Johnson 

Major  of  Second  Battalion .  Robt.  R.  Jackson 

Major  of  Third  Battalion 

Franklin  A.  Dennison 

Adjutant .Harvey  A.  Thompson 

Regimental  Quartermaster.  .James  S.  Nelson 

Sergeant  Major Robt.  F.  Ratcliff 

Surgeon Major  E.  A.  Wesley 

Assistant  Surgeons...   J  Dr'  D'  W-  Curtis 
I    Dr.   E.  S.  Miller 

Chief  Musician William  J.  Barnett 

Principal  Musicians.  . .  J     Charles  W-  Hunt 
(  William  E.  Cooper 

(  Curtis  P.  Somerville 
Hospital  Stewards   .  -<  Harry  S.  McCard 

(  Henry  Turnley 
Color  Sergeant Clarence  E.  Thompson 

48 


ROSTER  OF  THE  EIGHTH.  49 

Regimental  Clerk Albert  W.  Hubbard 

Regimental  Stenographer.  .  .Wilson  Debney 

Regimental  Quartermaster  Sergeant 

Lincoln  C.  Valle 

THE  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  REGIMENT  BAND. 

Drum  Major Jesse  Cash 

Chief  Musician W.  J.  Barnett 

Principal   Musician William   Cooper 

Cornets. — William  Cooper,  Henry  Ren,  Walter 
Thomas,  Joe  Hunter. 

Bass. — George  W.  Cooper,  William  Robinson. 
Slide     Trombones. — Addison     Robinson,     William 
Reece,  Earl  Franklin,  Walter  Patterson. 

Altos. — Rosco  Holt,  John  Crowford,  W.  Buchanan, 
Sylvester  Johnson. 

Baritones. — Price  Woods,  Morris  Cobbs. 
Clarinets. — Olie  Mack,  Clarence    Boman,    Charles 
Willims. 

Piccolo. — Noah  W.  Williams. 

Chief  Bugler Charles  W.  Hunt 

Buglers. — George  B.  Brown,  Ben.  Wanzer,  William 
Turner,  Abraham  Ejicah,  David  Millen,  James  Moly, 
Edward  Watson,  Logan  White,  Guy  Wilson,  William 
Diamond,  James  A.  Fox,  John  White,  John  Colston, 
Samuel  Clare,  William  L.  Scott,  Ira  King,  Lee  Will- 
iams, Fred  Makers,  William  Holliday,  Horace  Alex- 
ander Watt  Saunders,  Fred  Parker,  James  Logan,  John 
Jackson. 

COMPANY   A,   CHICAGO. 

Captain Theodore  R.  Van  Pelt 

First  Lieutenant John  W.  Allison 

4 


50  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Second  Lieutenant Stewart  Betts 

First  Sergeant William  H.  Payne 

Quartermaster  Sergeant .  Abraham  L.  Baldon 

Sergeants.— William  H.  Hill,  Jas.  T.  Duporte,  Al- 
fred Baldwin,  William  H.  Thompson. 

Corporals. — Jas.  T.  Brewington,  Leslie  Calwin,  Eu- 
gene Campoon,  Isaac  Hayden,  Wralter  Judd,  Perry  B. 
Kopperel,  Hugh  Mosby,  Joseph  Norris,  William 
Roaden,  Henry  T.  Senders,  William  Whitaker,  John 
Mason. 

Privates. — H.  K.  Hurley,  J.  Bateman,  S.  A.  Chase, 
J.  H.  Bell,  R.  L.  Furgenson,  I.  F.  Brewington,  I.  M. 
Cash,  F.  W.  Allen,  J.  Smith,  J.  H.  Clay,  J.  H.  Coleman, 
S.  Burns,  G.  Cnggel,  T.  Dabney,  J.  Devonshire,  W. 
Dorsey,  V.  S.  Drain,  G.  Dardains,  A.  C.  Durst,  S.  D. 
Dyer,  A.  Fanner,  D.  Gradey,  J.  Grant,  O.  Grear,  H.  T. 
Guffin,  J.  Hogans,  W.  Hancock,  W.  Harper,  A.  Har- 
ris, G.  A.  Holmes,  O.  W.  Holmes,  J.  B.  Hubbard,  G. 
Isobel,  F.  A.  Jackson,  J.  Jackson,  J.  R.  Jackson,  T.  B. 
Jackson,  R.  M.  Jarvis,  A.  Johnson,  W.  E.  Jones,  J.  H. 
King,  W.  Long,  G.  Mitchell,  W.  J.  Newman,  P. 
Mitchell,  W.  Murray,  G.  L.  McFadden,  C.  McPherson, 
W.  Oliver,  F.  C.  Pegram,  G.  Reed,  M.  Reynolds,  J. 
Rice,  A.  Robinson,  W.  Sanders,  R.  Sanford,  L.  Shover, 
E.  Shaw,  E.  P.  Smith,  E.  J.  Smith,  R.  Stantey,  O. 
Sykes,  A.  W.  Taylor,  J.  B.  Taylor,  O.  Taylor,  E.  A. 
Tidwell,  T.  Tucker,  R.  Twitt,  T.  M.  Ward,  E.  White- 
head,  J.  Whitehead,  T.  Wilkerson,  H.  C.  Nelson..  A. 
Woodfolk,  B.  T.  Woodfolk,  G.  W.  Cooper,  C.  P. 
Jounger,  F.  Burks,  T.  Moody,  M.  Pettiford,  W.  R. 
Mitchell. 


ROSTER  OF  THE  EIGHTH.  51 

COMPANY    B,    CHICAGO. 

Captain  A.  Thomas 

First  Lieutenant G.  T.  Baker 

Second  Lieutenant G.  A.  Nevels 

First  Sergeant D.  B.  Davis 

Quartermaster   Sergeant .  .  C.   L.   Henderson 

Sergeants.— T.  Hartsfield,  T.  F.  Tyler,  R.  W.  Gully, 
S.  Alexander. 

Corporals.— J.  Bradley,  R.  P.  Kurd,  W.  Settles,  R. 
Carter,  J.  D.  Turner,  A.  Curry,  J.  Lowe,  L.  C.  Talbert. 
W.  E.  Jones,  S.  H.  Griffith,  W.  M.  Ellison,  J.  L. 
Hunter. 

Artificer. — T.  Lindsay. 

Wagoner. — W.  D.  Porter. 

Privates. — Thomas  Anderson,  A.  F.  Buttler,  A. 
Brown,  L.  Brown,  W.  Crawfort,  W.  Carter,  J.  Davis, 
R.  Downs,  J.  Dunson,  J.  Dillyhay,  W.  Durary,  J.  T. 
Fry,  H.  Griffin,  W.  Howard,  J.  Hall,  B.  Humphrey, 
H.  Moore,  W.  Moore,  J.  L.  McFerren,  F.  D.  Mack- 
ness,  S.  Nickens,  A.  Payne,  W.  Petterson,  J.  Parks, 
T.  W.  Ross,  A.  R.  Smith,  A.  R.  Smith,  W.  Travis,  W. 
Thomas,  C.  Turner,  O.  Turner,  G.  Thomas,  J.  Terry, 
J.  Tubune,  G.  Upchurch,  W.  Van,  L.  Walker,  S. 
Walker,  W.  Webster,  W.  Shannon,  W.  H.  Willams, 
I.  Washington,  B.  Petters,  J.  P.  Phillips,  C.  Stallcup, 
G.  W.  White,  C.  Edwards,  W.  White,  H.  Payne,  F. 
Horkins,  J.  Hill,  C.  Jones,  R.  Jackson,  T.  Lee,  C.  Love, 
J.  Maze,  E.  Norris,  P.  Smith,  S.  Johnson,  W.  Johnson, 
R.  Holt,  G.  Yound,  G.  Yound,  William  Johnson,  W. 
Garvin,  George  Ferriss,  Frank  Parks,  Wilson  T. 
Kelley,  J.  Jomer,  H.  Holliday,  G.  Frazith,  W.  Green, 
J.  Smith,  R.  B.  Tracy,  W.  W.  Buchanan,  R.  C.  Bow- 


52  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

man,  W.  Reese,  G.  L.  Lawson,  M.  Williams,  H.  Jeffer- 
son, W.  Wyatt. 

COMPANY    C,    CHICAGO. 

Captain C.  L.  Hunt 

First  Lieutenant . .  .  J.  W.  Shreeves 

Second   Lieutenant Fred    Searles 

First  Sergeant Albert  Johnson 

Quartermaster  Sergeant.  .Samuel  P.  Mottley 
Sergeants. — G.   W.    Sawyer,    Capp   Hadley,   Jessie 
Butler,  James  D.  Shreeves. 

Corporals. — W.  L.  Crown,  Clarence  E.  Howard, 
Ad.  Jackson,  F.  C.  Johns,  C.  Kinner,  J.  H.  Luckey, 
W.  L.  Luckey,  F.  T.  Nickols,  A.  Taylor,  J.  Thomas, 
Chas.  F.  White,  R.  W.  Westberry. 

Musicians. — Charles  H.  Hay,  William  H.  Turner. 
Artificer. — Jose  S.  Shreves. 
Wagoner. — Nat.  N.. Watson. 

Privates. — Frank  Akers,  W.  M.  Anderson,  L.  Ben- 
jamin, W.  E.  Berry,  G.  Brooks,  H.  Brown,  J.  Carter. 
J.  T.  Cave,  J.  Chappie,  S.  D.  Chaxton,  L.  Collier,  J. 
Cirm,  J.  W.  Davidson,  F.  Duef,  C.  Dyer,  J.  Edwards, 
M.  Flowers,  H.  Ford,  E.  D.  Franklin,  H.  Freeman, 
F.  W.  Freeman,  W.  H.  Gardner,  J.  H.  Coins,  H.  Hard- 
away,  A.  Hartison,  W.  S.  Hart,  W.  Harris,  E.  Henry, 

F.  Hightower,  M.  Hopon,  Ed.  Hogan, Bruce  Horton, 
L.  Jackson,  G.  W.  Johnson,  J.  Johnson,  L.  Johnson, 
L.  H.  Johnson,  D.  P.  Lewis,  O.  Mack,  P.  McNeary, 
L.  Mitchell,  L.  Michaux,  W.  B.  Michell,  G.  L.  O.  Mor- 
gan, M.  Munphus,  G.  Notan,  P.  Norton,  A.  Patton,  G. 
Peake,  A.  Pierce,  O.  M.  Polk,  W.  H.  Polk,  C.  Pryer, 

G.  H.  Reed,  A.  Reeves,  W.  A.  Richardson,  L.  Robin- 


ROSTER  OF  THE  EIGHTH.  53 

son,  H.  B.  Ross,  G.  A.  Marshall,  E.  R.  May, 
S.  S.  McLowan,  Fred  Searls,  W.  Sharp,  J.  W. 
Sleat,  B.  P.  Smith,  J.  J.  Strodrick,  C.  Taylor, 
G.  A.  Taylor,  R.  Terrel,  H.  Thomas,  B.  Up- 
church  N.  Watson,  J.  Williams,  J.  Wilson,  R. 
Wise,  G.  White,  R.  Thomason,  W.  Thomas. 

COMPANY   D,    CHICAGO. 

Captain William  T.  Jefferson 

First   Lieutenant Howard   Love 

Second  Lieutenant Thaddeus   Stepp 

First  Sergeant Charles  T.  Fielden 

Sergeants. — George  Smith,  M.  Hopkins,  J.  C.  Gan- 
ger, E.  Washington,  R.  P.  King. 

Corporals. — O.  Lythecom,  C.  J.  Johnson,  J.  Brewer, 
Joe  Fielden,  Chas.  Ross,  Floyd  Lewis,  William 
Sparks,  T.  Turpin,  Thomas  Pettis,  B.  Pinckney,  R. 
Troutman. 

Privates. — J.  Robinson,  J.  Jordon,  C.  Williams,  E. 
Caldwell,  R.  Roland,  G.  Patterson,  W.  Johnson, 
N.  Williams,  T.  Tyler,  W.  Diamond,  J.  Baker,  C 
Page,  J.  Blackey,  C.  W.  Johnson,  A.  Gibson, 
J.  H.  Johnson,  S.  Selby,  W.  Richardson,  A. 
McGee,  G.  Constance,  A.  Boone,  Wm.  Robin- 
son, A.  Harris,  R.  W.  Seals,  W.  Brooks,  J.  F.  Conway, 

E.  Garland,  F.  Harris,  T.  Moore,  W.  Thatcher,  W. 
Mohr,  W.  Conway,  A.  Acres,  W.  B.  Brown,  J.  H. 
Frazier,  Dave  Millen,  J.  Hightomes,  C.  E.  Steward, 

F.  H.  Bland,  Chas.  Turner,  P.  Hunter,  E.  Dozier,  W. 
Dabney,  J.  Wilson,  J.  Ewing,  W.  Garnett,  A.  Payne, 
T.  Duncan,  H."  Young,  J.  Standford,  J.  Webster,  J. 
Riley,  P.  Farmer,  W.  Williams,  A.  Cheers,  Gus  Robins, 


54  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

W.  Hall,  L.  Brown,  W.  Clay,  W.  McGee,  W.  Byrd, 
I.  Harper,  W.  Gratton,  C.  Hamilton,  A.  Reed,  T. 
Johnson,  W.  Pruden,  W.  Douglass,  Ed.  Williams,  A. 
Marshall,  J.  Wells,  H.  Pearmon,  D.  Miller,  D.  Town- 
send,  L.  Henderson,  J.  Banks,  H.  Jackson,  J.  McQuin- 
ney,  W.  Jones,  E.  Robinson. 

COMPANY    E,    CHICAGO. 

Captain Richard  R.  Roots 

First  Lieutenant Arthur  Williams 

Second  Lieutenant James  M.  Rauls 

First  Sergeant Oliver  M.  Davis 

Quartermaster  Sergeant.  .Arthur  H.  Brown 
Sergeants. — George  McConnel,  Irving  Nickens,  J. 
G.  Lee,  Joseph  Johnson. 

Corporals. — Frank  Armstrong,  Harry  Brown, Isaiah 
Cook,  Matthew  Edwards,  Frank  J.  Evens,  Charles  H. 
Harper,  Joseph  B.  Johnson,  David  Lockett,  George 
W.  Morris,  William  Radford,  Egbert  R.  Williams. 
Musicians. — John  Coleston,  Watt  Launders. 
Artificer. — Tom  Gray. 
Wagoner. — Frank   Smith. 

Privates. — G.  E.  Adams,  T.  B.  Arnold,  J.  Bransone, 
E.  Bosley,  G.  P.  Brown,  L.  Brown,  T.  Brown,  H. 
Black,  E.'  D.  Barber,  A.  Brown,  E.  W.  Berry,  B.  Col- 
lins, G.  Campbell,  J.  B.  Carpenter,  A.  Carroll,  B. 
Chavis,  B.  Coleman,  C.  B.  Chappie,  W.  Coster,  J.  M. 
Drexler,  H.  Davenport,  E.  Dorsey,  G.  Edwards,  J. 
Embry,  L.  H.  Ferrol,  A.  H.  Fields,  W.  Gash,  J.  Gar- 
nett,  E.  Green,  G.  W.  Herring,  T.  Hannah,  E.  Hardy, 
G.  Hubbard,  M.  Hundley.  A.  Johnson,  J.  Jarvis,  J. 
Jones,  J.  Jackson,  W.  Johnson,  A.  Jordon,  J.  Gransome, 


ROSTER  OF  THE  EIGHTH.  55 

B.  Smith,  J.  Scott,  C.  H.  Stephen,  T.  Strother,  J. 
Tolls,  D.  B.  Jackson,  J.  A.  Lankins,  H.  Lumpkins,  P. 
Levens,  C.  Mosby,  G.  Markson,  J.  Mobley,  C.  Mat- 
thews, C.  McNiel,  J.  McHennis,  R.  McGill,  J.  Mc- 
Henney,  W.  Petit,  H.  W.  Pitner,  E.  J.  Porter,  W. 
Quarrels,  C  Royal,  M.  Ransome,  H.  E.  Taylor,  M. 
O.  Smith,  S.  C.  Smith,  F.  Vernon,  L.  Williams,  G. 
Williams,  T.  Wilks,  B.  White,  B.  T.  Wonjer,  F. 
Wilber,  J.  R.  Robson,  C.  Abbott,  J.  Watson,  Frank 
Young,  G.  Williams. 

COMPANY    F,    CHICAGO. 

Captain    William    B.    Akers 

First  Lieutenant   Clinton  L.  Hill 

Second  Lieutenant John  McDonald 

First  Sergeant   Augustus  Rantus 

Quartermaster  Sergeant.  .  .P.  W.  Randolph 
Sergeants. — Geo.  L.  Patterson,  Theodore  Hawkins, 
Richard  B.  Bonzell,  Varies  A.  Davis. 

Corporals. — Charlie      Lindsay,      William      Turner, 
Schuyler  Phillips,  Chas.  A.  Brown,  William  W.  Wil- 
liams, Herman  H.  Hector,  George  W.  Gray,  George 
W.    Woods,    William    T..  Goode,    Emery    Snowden, 
George  H.  Griffin,  Arthur  Thompson. 
Musicians. — Jas.  A.  Fox,  Wm.  L.  Scott. 
Artificer. — Alex.  Alford. 
Wagoner — George  Cobb. 

Privates. — C.  Ambrose,  A.  F.  Anderson,  B.  Ander- 
son, G.  W.  Bean,  J.  H.  Berry,  J.  T.  Berry,  C.  Bishop, 
S.  Boyd,  J.  F.  Bowden,  B.  Brent,  J.  J.  Brown,  J.  R. 
Brown,  J.  W.  Brown,  G.  H.  Bryant,  E.  J.  Burnett,  J. 
R.  Burt,  F.  Blakes,  W.  H.  Corey,  S.  Crutchfield,  W. 


56  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Douglass.  M.  Fields,  J.  Fox,  W.  Foster,  J.  H.  Frazier, 
S.  Morris,  H.  Gardner,  G.  Hawkins,  J.  Hadley,  G.  Hall, 
W.  F.  Hays,  G.  H.  Haywood,  F.  Holloway,  A.  W. 
Hubbard,  J.  G.  Humphrey,  J.  Hyde,  J.  Jackson,  No. 
i;  J.  Jackson,  No.  2;  M.  Jackson,  F.  Jenkins.  T.  W. 
Johnson,  A.  Jones,  J.  Lane,  S.  Lane,  E.  Leek,  C. 
Lewis,  G.  Liverman,  M.  W.  M.  McCall,  J.  McGowan, 
J.  McLamore,  W.  M.  McDonald,  J.  Mitchell,  J.  Moore, 
J.  A.  Morgan,  F.  Mosbey,  M.  J.  C.  Nunn,  A.  Parks, 
L.  Pearmon,  F.  Prather,  J.  H.  Rudd,  S.  Rudd,  A.  Scott, 
C.  W.  Starks,  J.  P.  Stewart,  W.  E.  Steward,  T.  E. 
Stone,  G.  S.  Strother,  G.  W.  Sykes,  L.  TaybounvR. 
Turner,  G.  Walls,  H.  Warfield,  W.  Weaver,'  W.  Whit- 
aker,  C.  Stoddard.  T.  M.  White,  C.  H.  Williams,  S. 
Williams,  P.  Wilkins,  P.  E.  Woodall,  W.  H.  Wool- 
ridge. 

COMPANY   C,  BLOOMINGTON. 

Captain .Julius   Weatherspoon 

First  Lieutenant H.  W.  Jameson 

Second  Lieutenant Charles  Reece 

Privates.— W.  Smith,  H.  Milom,  N.  D.  Lamb,  C. 
S.  Anderson,  .S.  Hardeman,  B.  Brown,  J.  Holley,  H. 
Robert,  S.  White,  I.  Guy,  W.  A.  Patterson,  O.  Brown, 
J.  G.  Wilson,  G.  Smith,  J.  W.  Patton,  P.  Lewis.  D. 
Blake,  H.  Burnett,  D.  Farley,  A.  C.  Williams,  J.  Pen- 
nix,  W.  Boyd,  W.  Roberson,  D.  Moore,  M.  Turner, 
M.  Turner,  C.  Wright,  J.  Samuels,  C.  Myers,  J.  Court- 
ney, C.  Young,  F.  Roberts,  N.  Knight,  G.  Samuels,  E. 
Thomas,  S.  Roberts,  W.  P.-  Crouse,  J.  H.  Simmons, 
H.  D.  Rodgers,  V.  McDonald,  J.  Lane,  A.  Jefferson, 
H.  Harrison,  A.  Fears,  W.  A.  Shaw,  M.  Burnes,  E. 
Thomas,  D.  E.  Lee,  C.  Kemp,  J.  Hardin,  W.  Riley,  W. 


ROSTER  OF  THE  EIGHTH.  57 

M.  Jones,  D.  G.  Hobbs,  S.  Sublett,  J.  Dunn,  S.  Madi- 
son, J.  Browner,  F.  S.  Davis,  W.  D.  Johnson,  D. 
Gibbs,  J.  B.  Gains,  W.  Williams,  S.  Williams,  J.  Pros- 
sers,  N.  Lewis,  L.  Livingston,  W.  Bell,  A.  B.  Butler, 
J.  H.  H.  Hawkins,  C.  G.  Toliver,  H.  Riley,  E.  Henry, 
J.  Stikes,  W.  Smith,  W.  M.  Yancy,  W.  Mechields,  F. 
Murphy,  C.  Earley,  W.  R.  Finley,  J.  Javis,  C.  Jacobs, 
W.  Jordon,  F.  Grayer,  W.  A.  Watson,  W.  Harden, 
J.  H.  Lee,  F.  Yarbery,  W.  Rollins,  C.  Jones,  S.  D. 
Bell,  F.  B.  Richard,  T.  Tichnor,  E.  Brown,  A.  Smith, 
W.  Walker,  C.  Martins,  G.  E.  Gusle,  W.  R.  Clark; 
C.  Glasco,  W.  Bryant. 

COMPANY   H,  SPRINGFIELD. 

Captain William  Darrell  Hodge 

First  Lieutenant .Richard  R.  Ross 

Second  Lieutenant Walter  T.  Jackson 

First  Sergeant Robt.  Blakeman 

Second  Sergeant Henry  Williams 

Sergeants. — Oliver  Curtis,  Frank  Lewis,  Joseph 
Richardson,  Henry  Brody. 

Corporals. — Joseph  Morgan,  Henry  Ross,  William 
Farmer,  Elias  Kirby,  James  Hatcher,  David  Edwards, 
Charley  Rose,  Luther  King,  George  Beard,  Frank 
Burns,  Edward  Womley,  George  Burton. 

Privates. — R.  Adams,  D.  Brown,  D.  Giles.  M. 
Maker,  G.  Harris,  D.  Maher,  I.  King,  J.  Hubbard,  R. 
Wright,  S.  Morgan,  S.  Donegan,  F.  Vernon,  I.  Wal- 
ton, A.  Washington,  F.  Washington,  C.  Watkins,  J. 
Webb,  I.  Williams,  L.  Williams,  N.  Williams.  R.  Wil- 
liams, W.  York,  L.  Marshall,  A.  D.  Johnson,  C.  Hole- 
man,  J.  Wells,  E.  Parks,  L.  Parks,  W.  Petit,  W.  Pey- 


58  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

ton,  W.  Pollard,  C.  Quayles,  W.  Ragland,  G.  Ray,  N. 
Redmond,  B.  Rickets,  J.  Robinson,  C.  Ross,  E.  Rucker, 
I.  Lounders,  E.  Lcttoiss,  W.  Smith,  B.  Brown,  J. 
Tayborn,  A.  Thompson,  G.  Alexandra,  G.  Bishop,  W. 
Blackford,  A.  Bland,  K.  Brayboy,  A.  Brown,  W.  Burk, 
M.  Burton,  R.  Calhoun,  G.  Cartes,  H.  Dickens,  I. 
Dixons,  R.  Hall,  J.  Edwards,  C.  Ensaw,  J.  Farmer, 
C.  Moore,  E.  Owendorf,  F.  Ford,  L.  Gloves,  E.  Green- 
leaf,  A.  Harden,  G.  Lacy,  W.  Hicks,  H.  Hill,  H.  Hole- 
man,  A.  Johnson,  J.  Jones,  P.  Kirby,  G.  Loomis,  J. 
Lucas,  G.  Marshall,  A.  Meredith,  H.  Miller,  H.  Min- 
hard,  W.  Marshall,  R.  Washington. 

COMPANY  I,  QUINCY. 

Captain   Frederick  Ball 

First  Lieutenant Arthur  H.  Walker 

Second  Lieutenant W.  J.  Smith 

First  Sergeant Charles  S.  S.  Morris 

Quartermaster  Sergeant. Charles  O.  Robinson 
Sergeants. — Chas.    H.    Peterson,    Samuel    Duncan, 
John  A.  Pride,  John  M.  Walker. 

Corporals. — Joseph  Jordon,  Thomas  W.  Robinson, 
William  Perkins,  James  W.  Cropp,  J.  W.  Ball,  Edward 
Martin,  Robert  L.  Penix,  William  Sandberry,  John  W. 
Griffin,  Bailey  Butler,  John  Hampfom,  John  Long- 
meyer. 

Artificer. — Taylor  Wheeler. 
Wagoner.— William    W.  Ball. 

Privates.— W.  W.  Thompson,  C.  Maxwell,  W.  Blue, 
R.  Gibson,  B.  Tucker,  L.  Bruington,  A.  Hicks,  E. 
Miller,  S.  Bittler,  R.  Harris,  R.  Gilstrap,  W.  Wyatt, 
C.  Simington,  H.  Dear,  L.  Bernard,  E.  W.  Johnson, 


ROSTER  OF  THE  EIGHTH.  59 

A.  Ellis,  S.  P.  Paris,  S.  Lester",  B.  Barnes,  I.  H.  Dor- 
sey,  S.  Artis,  J.  A.  Combs,  G.  McWilliams,  W.  E. 
Woods,  A.  Thompson,  S.  Kaskin,  E.  Foster,  W. 
Griffy,  W.  Washington,  M.  Davis,  B.  Lakeman,  H. 
Newbolt,  H.  Henry,  R.  Crockett,  J.  Roland,  P.  Rich- 
ardson, H.  Gillum,  F.  H.  Smith,  F.  Ward,  W.  Morris 
H.  Mitchell,  J.  E.  Marshall,  D.  Merritt,  W.  Coby,  H. 
M.  Burrell,  A.  Bunch,  T.  Douglass,  W.  T.  Bell,  F. 
Moore,  H.  Williams,  WT.  Phoenix,  J.  Blackberry,  J. 
Jefferson,  A.  Smith,  C.  A.  James,  E.  Harrison,  E. 
Bush,  W.  Dorton,  S.  Green,  Edgar  Phipps,  J.  McCray, 
J.  J.  Clark,  W.  Ward,  J.  H.  Perkins,  Jr.,  S.  Jackson, 
W.  A.  Releford,  G.  W.  Johnson,  C.  Plummer,  M. 
Spencer,  W.  H.  Dallas,  W.  A.  Brown,  B.  Bruington, 
J.  H.  Harris,  W.  Johnson,  J.  Glover,  J.  Deming,  A. 
J.  Harvey. 

COMPANY    K,    LITCHFIELD. 

Captain   L.  W.  Denison 

First  Lieutenant William  Carter 

Second  Lieutenant J.  W.  Washington 

Sergeants. — George  Carter,  Joseph  White,  William 
Smith,  Henry  O'Bryant,  Joseph  Yender. 

Corporals. — Daniel  Lucas,  Frank  Moore,  Leonard 
Stanley,  Horace  Alexander,  William  Spearman,  Earn- 
est Lee,  Frank  Adams,  J.  North,  Everette  Redmore, 
William  Redmond,  Sylvester  McAlister. 
Artificer. — Harrison   Porter. 
Wagoner. — John   Johnson. 

Privates.— J.  Grant,  J.  H.  Harris,  E.  Hill,  F.  Holmes, 
G.  Hunter,  R.  Hays,  R.  Hyatt,  J.  Jones,  J.  L.  James, 
W.  R.  Johnson,  A,  W.  Johnson,  A.  Jackson,  T.  Jones, 


60  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

W.  Jones,  J.  Keeling,  L.  Knight,  J.  Knox,  E.  Lee, 
No.  i ;  E.  Lee,  No.  2 ;  E.  Letsher,  W.  Lewis,  F.  H. 
Logan,  J.  Mayers,  N.  Maskane,  F.  A.  Mitchell,  C.  M. 
Owens,  P.  Peair,  J.  Eden,  B.  F.  Edwards,  C.  C.  Allen, 
H.  Alexander,  F  Adams,  T.  Albritton,  H.  Anderson, 
J.  Bramum,  C.  Brown,  H.  Bovvens,  W.  Bell,  J.  W. 
Baker,  W.  Birch,  F.  Branch,  F.  Brown,  A.  Bush,  G. 
Butler,  G.  Baker,  L.  Baily,  J.  Bell,  C.  Cooper,  J. 
Curtis,  M.  Casper,  P.  Collins,  A.  Claypool,  E.  L.  Co- 
field,  P.  Davis,  G.  Eaves,  F.  Ferguson,  W.  Garrett,  C. 
Gordon,  E.  Pendleton,  H.  Raymond,  G.  Rush,  W. 
Scott,  T.  Smith,  E.  Summers,  H.  Taggart,  E.  Terrell, 
Wm.  Thomas,  Walter  Thomas,  I.  Valentine,  A.  De- 
vandemus,  W.  Walker,  A.  Waddle,  J.  Wallace,  W. 
Wilson,  J.  Wilson,  S.  Williams,  W.  M.  Williams,  P. 
W.  Woods,  S.  S.  Hall,  J.  Jackson,  D.  Titsworth,  J. 
R.  Thomas. 

COMPANY  L,   MOUND   CITY. 

Captain G.  V.   Lane 

First  Lieutenant J.  E.  Hawkins 

Second  Lieutenant  J.  W.  W.  Layden 

First  Sergeant  Horace  G.  Burke 

Quartermaster  Sergeant .  .  Holland  A.  Hoard 
Artificer. — Thomas  Harmon. 
Wagoner. — William  Noble. 

Sergeants. — Joel  F.  Lloyd,  Joe  Mann,  Robert  T. 
Simms,  Clarence  E.  Thompson. 

Corporals. — Robert  Glover,  George  V.  Lane,  Jr., 
Elijah  Whitener,  Hillman  Davis,  George  W.  Hughes, 
Jr.,  George  McCurry,  Emerson  E.  Hymes,  Arthur 


ROSTER  OF  THE  EIGHTH.  61 

Carr,  Flemin  Fisher,  Jeff  Turner,  John  W.  Paschall, 
Phelix  Daley. 

Privates.— J.  H.  Blithe,  J.  W.  Parks,  G.  McCurney, 
W.  M.  Craig,  W.  Allen,  R.  F.  Reed,  J.  P  Jones, 
K.  D.  Brown,  L.  W.  McCracken,  H.  E.  Thompson,  M. 
Uzzell,  W.  Stewart,  H.  Long,  J.  F.  Smart,  J.  Pollard, 
I.  Johnson,  W.  Miller,  G.  Burrows,  J.  G.  Morgan,  A. 
Johnson,  E.  Adams,  E.  Adams,  I.  P.  Hunter,  G.  Smith, 
H.  Webster,  W.  G.  Graham,  R.  Glover,  C.  Payne,  S. 
McCurry,  J.  A.  Crawford,  R.  T.  Eims,  E.  L.  Taylor, 
P.  Moore,  C.  E.  Thompson,  L.  Wilson,  S.  McKay,  J. 
W.  Smith,  H.  A.  Hoard,  R.  A.  Edwards,  G.  Lane,  E. 
King,  J.  Mewson,  F.  Miller,  J.  Turner,  J.  Whitener, 
L.  Waters,  M.  E.  Cobb,  G.  Thompson,  Jas.  S.  Mann, 
W.  Titter,  A.  Jackson,  J.  Rollins,  F.  Daley,  E.  Wil- 
liams, S.  Hoofman,  T.  Dunning,  C.  R.  Dalton,  T. 
Harmon,  G.  Hays,  B.  Lichmore,  E.  A.  Gordon,  F. 
Flakes,  W.  Moore,  W.  G.  Lloyd,  P.  Wilson,  T.  John- 
son, A.  Bradly,  H.  Davis,  H.  Kirby,  H.  Evans,  J. 
Roberson,  J.  D.  Allen,  A.  Carr,  W.  Lipscomb,  J.  W. 
Paschall,  P.  H.  Henry,  E.  Hynes,  W.  Miles,  A. 
Hughes,  F.  Fisher,  F.  A.  Hagler,  E.  Whitner,  G.  W. 
Hughes,  W.  Reed,  J.  Kimball,  C.  Orrington,  J.  Meals, 
J.  Lloyd,  H.  G.  Burke  E.  Bidel,  S.  Gibson, 
J.  Adams,  J.  M.  Robinson,  G.  G.  Anderson,  J.  White, 
O.  Henderson,  A.  Robinson,  W.  Noble,  W.  T. 
Stephens,  W.  E.  Cousins,  R.  Crocket. 

COMPANY   M,   CAIRO. 

Captain J.  W.  McAdoo 

First  Lieutenant W.  H.  Donaldson 

Second  Lieutenant W.  Davis 


G2  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

First  Sergeant William  M.  Davis 

Quartermaster  Sergeant.  . .  .George  H.  Lane 

.Sergeants. — Charley  Trulock,  William  M.  Buckner, 
James  W.  Moss,  Henry  D.  Douglass. 

Corporals. — William  M.  Mitchell  Richard  Barnett, 
Samuel  Phillips,  Albert  Thomas,  Ed.  Lambert,  James 
A.  Wilson,  Simon  Mathes,  William  M.  Leech,  Richard 
Bracy,  Plise  Holly,  Judge  J.  Phinnese,  Frank  Meal. 

Artificer. — Robert  Hayes. 

Teamster. — Joe  Davis. 

Musicians. — Abraham  Elijah,  Logan  White. 

Privates. — J.  H.  Martin,  C.  Bragade,  G.  Mashy,  W. 
Knowiles,  T.  Joiner,  Ed.  Patterson,  A.  Pilliar,  J. 
Thomas,  R.  Williams,  J.  White,  M.  Morris,  W.  Carter. 
D.  Birdsong,  J.  D.  Douglas,  W.  W.  Sevenson,  G. 
Wade,  W.  Barker,  W.  Futts,  M.  Wllliford,  Eel. 
Thomas,  C.  Owens,  C.  Bradshaw,  W.  Johnson,  G. 
demons,  J.  Fields,  N.  Silvers,  D.  Farrow,  H.  Pier- 
cen,  T.  McKisac,  A.  Moss,  W.  Everts,  A.  Johnson, 
J.  Hill,  A.  Newman,  S.  Elliott,  J.  Mopkins,  Ed. 
Mitchell,  R.  W.  Cole,  A.  Jackson,  D.  Fagan,  E.  Allen, 
J.  M.  Brown,  W.  F.  Jones,  J.  Scroggs,  B.  W.  Shank- 
lin,  R.  Moss,  C.  Fonasil,  A.  Newton,  W.  Martin,  L. 
Baker,  F.  Dudley,  J.  Knowles,  J.  Risk,  W.  Brackman, 
M.  W.  Duepree,  J.  Wart,  I.  O.  Dillard,  P.  Freeman, 
J.  T.  Smith,  S.  Grear,  J.  Ward,  D.  Sumner,  S.  Gas- 
kins,  S.  Tucker,  J.  W.  Washington,  E.  G.  Smith,  E. 
Wright,  N.  Morrow,  A.  Herron,  H.  Cook,  W.  Bu- 
chanan, F.  Newson,  J.  R.  Rials,  J.  Clark,  E.  Wadkins, 
J.  J.  Wimbish. 


COLONEL  JOHN  R.   MARSHALL 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Biographies  of  Field  and  Line  Officers  of  the  Eight  Illinois 
Volunteer  Regiment. 

COL.  JOHN   R.   MARSHALL, 

Commanding  the    Eighth   Illinois  Volunteer   Infantry    Regi- 
ment. 

Col.  John  R.  Marshall  was  born  at  Warrenton,  Fau- 
quier  County,  Va.,  March  15,  1859.  When  he  was  two 
years  old  his  parents  removed  to  Alexandria,  Va., 
where  he  received  the  full  benefits  of  the  schools  of 
that  city.  When  he  was  fifteen  years  old  he  was  ap- 
prenticed with  his  uncle  to  learn  the  stonemason's 
trade.  After  serving  at  that  trade  for  three  years,  he 
joined  his  uncle  in  partnership,  and  they  worked  to- 
gether successfully  for  four  years. 

In  1880  Colonel  Marshall  came  to  Chicago  and 
found  employment  with  one  of  the  largest  contractors 
of  the  city,  in  whose  employment  he  continued  for 
more  than  ten  years,  and  was  justly  termed  their  right- 
hand  man. 

In  1886  Colonel  Marsh?ll  was  married  to  Miss  Lulie 
Branter  of  Alexandria,  of  whom  his  fondest  regards 
can  be  traced  back  to  his  boyhood  days. 

It  is  needless  to  say  anything  as  to  his  zealous  work 
in  A  Company  as  lieutenant,  then  captain,  and  finally, 
5  05 


(56  "THE    EIGHTH    ILLINOIS." 

when  Maj.  J.  C.  Buckner  resigned  the  majorship  in 
May,  1898,  he  succeeded  him  as  major  of  the  Ninth 
Battalion,  and  it  was  through  his  untiring  efforts  that 
the  Ninth  Battalion  became  the  Eighth  Illinois. 

In  making  the  fight  for  the  colonelship  he  has 
proven  his  undying  energy  and  pluck.  These  same 
traits  characterized  him  during  the  entire  nine  months 
of  his  leadership  of  the  Eighth  to  fame  and  honor. 

On  the  23d  of  July,  1898,  Maj.  John  R.  Marshall 
was  commissioned  as  colonel  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Vol- 
unteer Infantry  (colored).  There  were  a  few  com- 
plaints made  of  the  colonel,  but  he  was  well  aware  of 
the  prejudicial  source  from  which  they  emanated.  He 
knew,  as  did  his  staff  as  well,  that  his  command  was 
on  trial  and  restraint  was  required  to  secure  the  good 
name  and  blessing  the  regiment  received  on  returning 
home.  The  colonel  was  strict,  but  not  severe.  He 
was  cordial,  affable  and  kind  to  his  men.  He  always 
looked  otit  for  the  best  interests  of  his  men,  and  so 
careful  and  successful  was  he  in  selecting  his  staff 
that  friction  was  eradicated. 

Mrs.  J.  R.  Marshall,  the  wife  of  the  colonel,  was 
one  of  the  very  few  colored  ladies  who  saw  Cuba,  she 
following  her  husband  to  the  tropics,  braving  pestil- 
ence, fever  and  even  death,  alike  with  the  colonel. 
Mrs.  Marshall  has  more  than  the  ordinary  courage  of 
a  woman  ;  she  is  kind,  courteous  and  affable. 

After  the  colonel  was  mustered  out  of  service  he 
was  the  recipient  of  a  set  of  eqaulets,  belonging  to  a 
Spanish  officer,  captured  in  the  battle  of  Manila  Bay, 
May,  1898.  This  was  a  rare  honor,  but  the  colonel 
was  deserving.  Upon  returning  to  civil  life.  Colonel 


V°    v        '      V 

.  *  oN    9?> 


LIEUT. -COLONEL  JAMES  H.   JOHNSOX. 


BIOGRAPHIES.  09 

Marshall  was  tendered  and  accepted  the  office  of 
deputy  sheriff  of  Cook  County,  Illinois — a  much  cov- 
eted position. 

LIEUT.-COL.  JAMES  H.  JOHNSON. 

James  H.  Johnson  was  born  in  Washington,  D.  C, 
and  at  the  time  of  receiving  his  commission  as  lieuten- 
ant-colonel was  36  years  old.  In  1880  he  enlisted  in 
the  Ninth  United  States  Cavalry  for  "a  term  of  five 
years,  during  which  time  he  made  a  fine  record  and 
gained  a  medal  for  sharpshooting. 

In  1880  he  came  to  Chicago  to  reside.  In  1891  he 
joined  the  Ninth  Battalion,  and  in  1892  he  was  ap- 
pointed adjutant  of  the  battalion,  in  which  capacity  he 
served  until  made  lieutenant-colonel,  with  credit  to  the 
battalion,  as  well  as  himself.  Colonel  Johnson  is  a 
master  of  army  tactics,  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman.  I 
can  truthfully  say  there  was  never  a  harsh  word 
spoken  of  him  during  his  service  in  the  regiment. 

MAJOR   ROBERT   R.   JACKSON. 

Robert  R.  Jackson  was  born  September  T,  1869.  at 
Malta,  [11.,  coming  to  Chicago  with  his  parents  when 
but  one  year  old.  Twelve  years  later  he  graduated 
from  a  grammar  school  in  this  city.  In  December, 
1888,  he  entered  the  postal  service  as  a  stamper.  Suc- 
cess and  energy  being  with  him,  he  arose  from  one 
position  to  another  until  he  was  made  foreman  at  Sta- 
tion M  during  Col.  John  M.  Sexton's  administration. 

In  1892  he  became  a  Knight  of  Pythias,  and  being 
ambitious  and  aspiring,  was  elected  adjutant-general 
on  the  major-general's  staff. 

In  1895  ^r-  Jackson  was  enrolled  in  Company  D, 


70  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Ninth  Battalion,  as  a  private,  but  as  was  his  general 
characteristic,  he  continued  to  court  advancement  un- 
til he  was  called  Captain  Jackson  of  Company  D.  Cap- 
tain Jackson  was  not  content  to  let  matters  stop  here, 
but  when  the  Ninth  Battalion  was  made  the  Eighth 
Illinois  Volunteer  Regiment,  Captain  Jackson  was 
commissioned  Major  Jackson  of  the  Second  Battal- 
ion. 

Major  Jackson  entered  his  new  station  of  high  rank 
unassumingly,  and  with  all  the  zeal  and  courage  that 
has  characterized  him  in  every  position  of  honor  he 
has  held. 

When  the  Eighth  Illinois  arrived  in  Cuba,  Major 
Jackson,  with  Companies  E  and  F,  was  detached  from 
the  regiment  and  sent  some  eighteen  miles  distant  to 
garrison  the  old  Spanish  town  of  Palma  Soriano  de 
Cuba.  The  circumstances  and  responsibilities  in  con- 
nection with  this  military  post  were  of  such  nature 
that  almost  every  one  said:  "It  required  the  services  of 
a  man  much  the  senior  and  more  experienced  than  was 
Major  Jackson ;"  but  Colonel  Marshall  knew  of  what 
material  the  young  major  was  made,  and  the  selection 
proved  a  success.  Though  he  had  soldiers,  Cubans  and 
Spaniards  to  deal  with,  he  went  about  his  task  in  that 
same  unassuming  and  self-reliant  way,  and  quitted  the 
post  with  credit  and  honor,  to  the  regret  of  Cuban, 
Spaniard  and  his  men  alike.  He  and  Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Johnson  ranked  among  the  best  drilled  officers  of 
the  regiment.  In  the  army  he  made  a  very  successful 
record,  there  being  no  complaint  coming  from  his  su- 
perior officers  and  no  officer  looked  more  gallant  and 
graceful  than  did  he. 


MAJ.    R.    R.    JACKSON. 
Post    Commander,    I'alinn.    Soriano    de    Cuba, 


-HO 

-<  — > 


2 

CO 


BIOGRAPHIES.  73 

MAJOR  FRANKLIN  A.  DENISON. 

Franklin  Augustus  Denison  was  born  at  San  An- 
tonio, Texas,  in  1862.  He  attended  the  public  schools 
in  that  city  and  prepared  himself  for  entering  Lin- 
coln University,  which  he  did  in  1883,  graduating 
from  that  institution  in  1888.  The  same  year  he  en- 
tered the  Union  College  of  Law  in  Chicago,  graduat- 
ing as  valedictorian  in  1890. 

In  1891  he  was  appointed  as  an  assistant  prosecut- 
ing attorney  of  the  city  of  Chicago  by  Mayor  Wash- 
burne.  So  befitting  and  qualified  was  he  for  the  posi- 
tion that  he  has  retained  it  during  the  terms  of  four 
administrations,  to  \vit :  Mayors  Hempstead  Wash- 
burne,  John  P.  Hopkins,  George  B.  Swift  and  Carter 
H.  Harrison,  Jr.  So  practical  and  successful  has  been 
the  career  of  Attorney  Denison,  that  he  was  retained  in 
office  without  regard  to  political  affiliations — serving 
under  two  Republican  and  two  Democratic  mayors. 

When  the  Eighth  Illinois  arrived  at  Santiago,  Gen- 
eral Lawton  appointed  Major  Denison  president  of  a 
general  court-martial,  he  being  the  first  and  only 
colored  man  appointed  to  such  a  position.  The  major 
was  also  one  of  the  judges  of  the  Court  of  Claims,  sit- 
ting in  Santiago.  His  courteous  greeting  and  soldierly 
bearing  won  for  him  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  his 
associates;  his  manly  conduct  and  legal  qualities  won 
for  him  the  favorable  opinion  of  all  the  officers  of  the 
Eighth. 

MAJ.  ALLEN  W.  WESLEY,  Chief  Surgeon. 

Allen  Alexander  Wesley  was  born  September  25, 
1856,  at  Dublin,  Ind.  He  received  his  early  schooling 
at  Cincinnati.  Corning  to  Chicago  he  attended  the 


74  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Bryant  &  Stratton  Business  College.  From  there  he 
went  to  the  Fisk  University  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  From 
that  institution  he  graduated  with  the  degree  of  A.  B. 
in  1884. 

In  1870  he  turned  his  attention  toward  the  profession 
of  medicine,  and  was  associated  with  Dr.  William 
Mussey  of  Cincinnati.  He  also  took  a  three  years' 
course  of  study  at  the  Northwestern  University  Medi- 
cal School,  graduating  with  the  degree  of  M.  D.  in 
1887. 

He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Provident  Hos- 
pital, and  in  1895  he  was  appointed  surgeon-in-charge 
of  that  institution.  Major  Wesley  was  a  clinical  as- 
sistant to  Walter  Hay,  M.  D.,  LL.D.,  in  the  department 
of  mental  and  nervous  diseases,  Chicago  Medical  Col- 
lege, 1885-89.  From  1886-88  he  was  clinical  assistant 
to  Prof.  R.  N.  I  sham  in  the  surgical  department  of 
the  same  institution.  He  has  also  filled  the  position  of 
district  county  physician  for  Cook  County  in  Chicago, 
111. 

In  May,  1898,  when  hostilities  between  Spain  and 
America  were  inevitable,  he  entered  the  Ninth  Bat- 
talion, I.  N.  G.,  and  on  going  to  Springfield  with  the 
Eighth  Regiment  was  commissioned  major-surgeon. 
July  2,  1898,  while  in  Springfield,  he  was  on  the  state 
examiners  board  of  physicians,  which  examined  more 
than  three  thousand  applicants  who  applied  for  en- 
listment in  the  two  regiments — the  Eighth  and  Ninth 
Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry. 

Upon  reaching  Cuba  with  the  Eighth  Illinois  he 
was  placed  in  charge  of  the  post  hospital  at  San  Luis 
by  Gen.  E.  P.  Ewers,  as  acting  brigade  surgeon,  hav- 


MAJ.    FRANKLIN    A.    DENISON, 
Judge    of    Court    of    Claims,    Santiago. 


BIOGRAPHIES.  77 

ing  under  his  care  three  regiments,  viz.,  the  Eighth 
Illinois,  the  Ninth  Louisiana  and  the  Twenty-third 
Kansas,  besides  the  members  of  the  army  pack  trains 
and  the  signal  corps. 

Comparing  the  death  rate  of  the  Xinth  Immuncs 
with  that  of  the  Eighth  Illinois,  it  speaks  well  for  the 
efficiency  and  painstaking  care  which  the  major  em- 
ployed in  selecting  men  to  brave  the  ravages  of  torrid 
Cuba. 

ADJUTANT  HARVEY  A.  THOMPSON. 

First  Lieut.  Harvey  A.  Thompson  was  born  July 
24,  1863,  at  Columbus,  Ohio.  His  early  education  was 
obtained  in  the  public  schools,  after  which  he  attended 
the  Fisk  University  and  La  Moyne  College. 

In  1883  he  enlisted  in  the  Ninth  United  States  Cav- 
alry, from  which  he  received  an  honorable  discharge 
after  five  years'  service.  Upon  his  discharge  he  went 
to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  entered  the  Mehany  Medical 
College,  where  he  studied  for  two  years. 

Corning  to  Chicago  in  1890,  he  became  prominent 
in  politics  and  business  circles.  He  held  a  clerkship  at 
the  central  police  station,  in  which  he  was  making  a 
successful  record,  when  he  enlisted  in  the  Eighth 
Illinois  as  adjutant,  with  rank  of  first  lieutenant. 

In  1894  Lieutenant  Thompson  was  married  to  Miss 
Frances  Gowins,  to  whom  he  owes  a  great  deal  of  his 
fortune  and  success  in  life.  One  child  has  been  added 
to  their  union,  which  is  the  crowning  point  of  their 
happiness. 

Every  private  in  the  regiment  looked  with  pride 
upon  their  adjutant.  Riding  at  a  gallop  along  the 


78  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

regimental  front  he  was  graceful.  Standing  erect,  re- 
peating the  "Detail  for  to-morrow,"  his  attitude  was 
striking,  and  his  sonorous  voice  was  heard  by  every 
soldier  in  the  ranks.  The  adjutant  was  in  high  favor 
among  all  in  the  regiment. 

LIEUT.  JAMES  S.  NELSON,  Regimental  Quartermaster. 

James  S.  Nelson  was  born  in  Windsor,  Canada,  in 
1861.  Coming  to  Chicago  shortly  afterward,  he  made 
it  his  home.  In  1884  he  was  naturalized  as  an  Ameri- 
can citizen. 

Mr.  Nelson  has  served  as  sergeant-major  and  quar- 
termaster of  the  Ninth  Battalion. 

In  1894  he  was  married  to  Dr.  Ida  Gray,  who  at 
that  time  was  the  only  colored  woman  dentist  in  the 
United  States. 

He  studied  law  at  the  Chicago  Law  College,  being 
registered  in  1897.  When  the  Eighth  Regiment  was 
called,  Mr.  Nelson  resigned  his  position  as  bookkeeper 
in  a  city  office  to  become  the  regimental  quartermaster 
of  the  Eighth.  His  record  as  quartermaster  was  ex- 
cellent, and  the  ease  and  system  with  which  he  at- 
tended to  his  duties  speak  favorably  for  him. 

LIEUT.  J.  W.   CURTIS,  Assistant  Surgeon. 

Dr.  J.  W.  Curtis  was  born  in  Marion,  Ala.,  July  29, 
1856.  His  father,  A.  H.  Curtis,  was  state  senator  for 
six  years.  Dr.  Curtis  was  educated  at  the  Lincoln 
University  and  the  State  Normal  School  of  Marion, 
Ala.,  and  for  six  years  taught  school  in  that  state,  and 
in  1879  neld  the  professorship  of  his  alma  mater. 

He  received  an  appointment  to  a  clerkship  in  1882 


MAJOR  ALLEN   A.   WESLEY, 
Chief  Army  Surgeon. 


^^ 


BIOGRAPHIES.  81 

in  the  Pension  Office  at  Washington,  D.  C.  From 
1889-91  he  was  a  special  agent  of  the  Pension  Office 
for  Northwestern  Illinois  and  Nebraska. 

Dr.  Curtis  graduated  from  the  Howard  Medical 
University  in  1888. 

In  1891  he  resigned  his  position  as  pension  agent  to 
practice  his  profession,  coming  to  Chicago  to  reside. 
He  was  a  member  of  the  medical  staff  at  the  Provident 
Hospital. 

Being  appointed  assistant  surgeon  of  the  Eighth  Il- 
linois by  Governor  Tanner,  he  went  with  the  regiment 
to  Cuba.  When  Companies  E  and  F  were  detached 
from  the  regiment  and  sent  to  Palma  Soriano,  Dr. 
Curtis  was  in  charge  of  the  post  hospital  there  for 
five  months,  and  much  to  his  credit,  only  one  man  was 
lost  by  natural  death  during  that  period  of  time. 

FIRST  LIEUT.  EDWARD  S.  MILLER,  Assistant  Surgeon. 

Edward  Smith  Miller  was  born  August  31,  1858, 
on  a  farm  in  Garrard  County,  Ky.  Beginning  his  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools  of  Danville,  Ky.,  in  1880, 
he  moved  to  Meadville,  Pa.,  where  he  completed  a 
course  in  college,  taking  a  two  years'  literary  course, 
in  the  meantime  supporting  himself.  He  matriculated 
in  Chicago  Homeopathic  Medical  College  in  1889, 
graduating  with  high  honors  in  1893.  In  1897  Dr. 
Miller  took  a  post-graduate  course  in  the  Harvey  Medi- 
cal College. 

Going  with  the  Eighth  Illinois  to  Cuba,  he  was  in 

charge  of  the  field  hospital  at  Camp  Marshall.     Dr. 

Miller  was  held  in  esteem  by  all  the  officers  of  his 

regiment  and  every  private  spoke  good  words  of  him. 

6 


82  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

He  is  a  Knight  Templar  and  a  Knight  of  Pythias. 

Dr.  Miller  was  married  at  Springfield,  111.,  July, 
1898,  on  the  very  eve  of  -his  departure  to  Cuba,  Miss 
Mamie  Evens  of  Winchester,  Ky.,  being  the  happy 
bride. 

CAPT.  JORDAN  CHAVIS,  Chaplain. 

Chaplain  Jordan  Chavis  was  born  February  16,  1856, 
in  Massac  County,  111.  He  began  his  education  in  the 
common  schools  of  Metropolis,  111.  In  1870  he  re- 
moved with  his  parents  to  Mississippi,  entering  the 
Aleona  University  in  1872.  He  graduated  in  1876, 
taking  the  normal  course. 

He  was  ordained  a  Baptist  minister  the  same  year. 
Along  with  his  pastorate  he  taught  school  until  1880, 
when  he  returned  to  Metropolis  and  was  married  to 
Miss  Hattie  Marshall  of  that  city.  Since  then  he  has 
held  the  pastorate  of  the  following  churches :  Pisgah 
Baptist  Church,  Bloomington,  111.,  two  years  ;  Bethesda 
Church,  Chicago,  111.,  three  years ;  Eighth  Street 
Church,  Quincy,  111.,  ten  years. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Chavis  assisted  in  organizing  Com- 
pany I  of  Quincy,  and  was  appointed  and  commis- 
sioned chaplain  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  with  rank  of 
captain,  August  i,  1898,  by  Gov.  J.  R.  Tanner. 

Jordan    Chavis   did   valuable   spiritualistic    services 

while   in    Cuba,   and   the   church    interest,   the    army 

Christian    Endeavor,    and    the    army    Sunday-school 

were  at  all  times  under  his  guardianship,  meeting  with 

his  hearty  approval  and  earnest  support. 

Captain  Chavis  has  often  completed  a  set  of  fours 
while  at  drill  and  dress  parade.  He  was  highly  ap- 


LIEUT.   HARVEY  A.   THOMPSON,   REGIMENTAL   ADJUTANT. 


BIOGRAPHIES.  85 

predated  in  the  regiment,  practicing  non-sectarianism, 
but  Christianity  and  obedience  to  God. 

He  built  a  little  palm-covered  church,  and  baptized 
twelve  converted  soldiers  in  the  Cuban  waters,  thus 
recording  the  first  Protestant  baptisms  in  Santiago 
Province.  The  following  is  what  Brigadier-General 
Ewers,  commanding  San  Luis  de  Cuba,  said  of  the 
chaplain : 

"Headquarters  District  of  Majari, 

"San  Luis  de  Cuba. 

"Chaplain  Jordan  Chavis,  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteers. 
"Dear  Sir:  I  take  pleasure  in  stating  that  while  you 
have  been  under  my  command,  since  August  26,  1898, 
you  have  performed  your  duties  in  a  faithful  manner, 
and  with  credit  to  your  profession.  I  recommend  you 
as  an  energetic  and  zealous  Christian,  and  one  worthy 
in  every  way  of  the  position  you  hold  in  your  regi- 
ment. 

"Very   respectfully, 

"E.  P.  EWERS, 
"Brigadier-General  Commanding." 

CAPTAIN  THEODORE  VAN  PELT,  Company  A. 

Captain  Van  Pelt  was  born  at  Glens  Falls,  Warren 
County,  New  York,  September  29,  1857,  and  received 
his  early  training  in  the  Empire  State.  In  1873  he  re- 
moved to  Illinois.  Captain  Van  Pelt  was  a  sergeant  in 
the  Ninth  Battalion  at  the  beginning  of  that  organiza- 
tion, enlisting  as  a  private  in  Company  A,  June  I, 
1890,  and  being  appointed  sergeant  October  I,  1891. 
December  7,  1892,  he  was  elected  a  second  lieutenant. 
July  i,  1894  he  was  elected  first  lieutenant  of  Com- 


86  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

pany  A,  holding  that  rank  until  he  succeeded  John  R. 
Marshall  as  captain  of  Company  A.  Van  Pelt  acted 
as  major  of  the  Second  Battalion  for  nearly  three 
months  of  his  service,  while  Major  Jackson  was  de- 
tached. He  is  a  thorough  tactician,  genial,  courteous 
and  well  spoken  of  by  officers  and  privates. 

Captain  Van  Pelt  is  the  proprietor  of  one  of  the 
most  popular  barber  shops  on  State  street,  in  Chicago. 
He  is  a  Knight  Templar,  being  an  officer  in  St.  George 
Commandery. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  W.  ALLISON,  Company  A. 

Lieutenant  Allison  was  born  at  Collierville, 
Tenn.,  in  1865.  He  came  to  Chicago  in  1892.  He 
joined  the  Ninth  Battalion,  and  being  energetic  he  be- 
came a  proficient  drill  instructor,  and  was  made  a 
sergeant. 

When  the  Eighth  was  called  he  was  commissioned 
as  first  lieutenant  of  Company  A.  While  Captain 
Van  Pelt  was  acting  major  of  the  Second  Battalion  he 
had  charge  of  the  company. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  STEWART  A.   BETTS.  Com- 
pany A. 

Stewart  A.  Betts  was  born  in  the  state  of  Ohio,  in 
1873,  coming  to  Chicago  at  an  early  age.  In  1896  he 
joined  the  Ninth  Battalion.  When  the  Eighth  was 
called  out  he  was  a  first  sergeant ;  but  was  commis- 
sioned a  second  lieutenant. 

CAPTAIN  ADOLPHUS  THOMAS,  Company  B. 

Capt.  Adolphus  Thomas  was  born  in  1861,  in  Han- 
cock County,  Ga.  He  attended  the  public  schools 


LIEUT.   JAMES  A.    NELSON,    REGIMENTAL   QUARTER- 
MASTER. 


BIOGRAPHIES.  89 

in  Atlanta.  In  1882  he  joined  the  National  Guard  of 
Georgia,  and  was  sergeant  of  his  company.  In  1885 
he  attended  the  national  competitive  drill.  He  received 
the  honor  of  being  the  best  drilled  man  on  the  field, 
and  that  fall  was  elected  first  lieutenant  of  his  com- 
pany. 

Coming  to  Chicago  he  joined  Company  B  as  a  ser- 
geant. In  1892  he  was  elected  first  lieutenant  of  Com- 
pany B,  Ninth  Battalion,  and  in  1893  became  its  cap- 
tain. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  GEORGE  T.  BAKER,  Company  B. 

George  T.  Baker  was  born  at  New  Orleans,  La., 
December  15,  1863.  He  is  a  cracker  baker  by  trade. 

He  began  his  military  life  in  Natchez  by  joining  the 
Lynch  Guards  of  Natchez,  Miss,  holding  the  commis- 
sion of  first  lieutenant  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  On  be- 
coming a  Knight  of  Pythias  he  was  elected  first  lieuten- 
ant in  B.  F.  Bowies'  Division  No.  18,  K.  of  P. 

He  came  to  Chicago  in  1888,  and  in  1891  he  joined 
the  Ninth  Battalion,  and  in  1892  he  was  appointed  a 
corporal,  in  1893  a  first  sergeant,  and  November  5, 
1895,  he  was  elected  first  lieutenant  of  Company  B. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  G.  A.  NEVELS,  Company  B. 
Lieutenant  Nevels  was  born  in  Washington,  Mo.,  in 
1867.  In  1887  he  came  to  Chicago.  On  November 
4,  1895,  he  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  as  hospital 
steward,  which  position  he  held  until  July  i,  1898, 
when  Governor  Tanner  commissioned  him  a  lieuten- 
ant. He  was  detached  for  some  time  while  in  Cuba, 
filling  the  position  of  adjutant  on  General  Ewers'  staff; 
at  another  time  he  was  acting  brigade  quartermaster. 


90  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

CAPTAIN  C.  L.  HUNT,  Company  C. 

Capt.  Charles  L.  Hunt  was  born  June  29,  1862,  in 
Chicago.  He  therefore  is  a  typical  Illinoisan.  He 
received  his  education  at  the  Jones  and  Dearborn 
schools. 

His  early  ambition  was  to  be  a  soldier.  In  his  early 
days  he  belonged  to  the  Hannibal  Zouaves,  and  was 
with  them  when  they  became  the  old  "Sixteenth"  Bat- 
talion, I.  N.  G.  He  joined  Company  B,  Ninth  Bat- 
talion June  17,  1891.  May  3,  1892,  he  was  elected 
second  lieutenant,  holding  that  rank  till  September  28, 
1895,  when  he  was  elected  first  lieutenant.  November 
4,  1895,  he  was  elected  to  the  captaincy  of  Company 
C.  Captain  Hunt's  coyotes  are  a  sturdy  and  plucky 
set  of  men,  and  they  think  much  of  their  captain,  who 
stands  by  his  men  at  all  times. 

FIRST    LIEUTENANT   JOHN    W.    SHREEVES,    Com- 
pany C. 

Lieut.  John  W.  Shreeves  was  born  in  New  Bedford, 
Mass.,  in  1866.  He  received  a  splendid  education  in 
early  life,  having  prepared  himself  for  a  governmental 
position.  For  three  and  a  half  years  he  was  employed 
in  the  Bureau  of  Printing  and  Engraving  at  Wash- 
ington, D.  C. 

In  1890  he  came  to  Chicago.  In  1894  he  joined  the 
Ninth  Battalion  as  a  private,  and  by  1898  he  had 
reached  the  lieutenancy.  He  acted  also  as  provost 
marshal,  while  in  San  Luis. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  FREDERICK  D.   SEARLES. 
Company   C. 

Lieutenant  Searles,  like  Captain  Hunt,  is  also  a 
native  of  Chicago.  He  received  his  education  in  the 


FIRST  LIEUTENANT  J.   W.   CURTIS, 
Chief  Post  Surgeon,  Palina,  Soriano  de  Cuba. 


BIOGRAPHIES.  93 

public  schools  of  that  city.  He  is  an  electrical  me- 
chanic, and  has  held  many  positions  of  trust  and  skill, 
among  them  storekeeper  at  the  Dunning  institution  and 
deputy  in  the  County  Agent's  office.  He  was  one  of 
the  promoters  of  the  Ninth  Battalion,  and  was  elected 
to  the  lieutenancy  in  1892.  While  in  Cuba  he  was  an 
inspector  of  rifle  practice  with  rank  of  captain.  Lieu- 
tenant Searles  belongs  to  the  Odd  Fellows  and  the 
Knights  of  Pythias. 

CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  T.  JEFFERSON,  Company  D. 

Captain  Jefferson  was  born  in  Washington,  D.  C., 
August  4,  1864.  His  parents  removed  to  Derby,  Conn., 
when  he  was  a  small  boy.  In  this  little  city  he  ac- 
quired his  public  schooling.  At  eighteen  he  began  his 
apprenticeship  at  dentistry,  in  which  he  remained  for 
eight  years.  In  1889  he  entered  the  dental  school  of 
Howard  University  at  Washington,  D.  C.  One  year 
later  he  came  to  Chicago,  and  in  March,  1890,  he  en- 
tered the  American  College  of  Dental  Surgery  and 
graduated  March  24,  1891.  He  joined  Company  D  of 
the  Ninth  Battalion  April  i,  1895;  was  elected  second 
lieutenant  May  i,  1895,  and  in  November,  1895,  was 
elected  first  lieutenant  of  the  company  he  now  com- 
mands. He  is  a  thorough  tactician. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  HOWARD  LOVE,  Company  D. 
Lieutenant  Love  was  born  in  Urbana,  Ohio,  in  1865, 
where  he  lived  fifteen  years.  In  1885  he  came  to  Chi- 
cago. He  joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  in  1891.  He  was 
soon  appointed  a  sergeant,  and  was  elected  a  second 
lieutenant  in  1897.  In  1898  he  was  commissioned  as 
first  lieutenant.  When  the  regiment  reached  Cuba 


94  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Lieutenant  Love  was  detailed  regimental  ordinance 
officer,  in  which  capacity  he  remained  until  he  was 
mustered  out  of  the  government  service. 

SECOND     LIEUTENANT     THADDEUS     W.     STEPP, 
Company   D. 

Lieutenant  Stepp  came  to  Chicago  in  1887.  1°  l&9° 
he  was  a  charter  member  of  the  Ninth  Battalion,  at 
the  age  of  26  years.  He  has  been  janitor  of  the  Ply- 
mouth Congregational  Church  in  Chicago.  Lieuten- 
ant Stepp  did  some  splendid  work  in  photography 
while  in  Cuba,  and  brought  many  interesting  scenes 
home  with  him. 

CAPTAIN  RICHARD  P.  ROOTS.  Company  E. 
Captain  Roots  was  born  in  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  in  1860, 
and  attended  school  in  Tennessee.  He  came  to  Chi- 
cago in  1884,  and  soon  after  entered  the  civil  service 
in  the  postoffice.  Captain  Roots  succeeded  Maj.  R.  R. 
Jackson  as  post  commandant,  Military  Post  No.  i,  at 
Palma  Soriano  de  Cuba,  and  while  in  that  capacity 
was  well  respected  by  Cubans  and  Spaniards.  (He  was 
one  of  the  most  unbiased  officers  in  the  regiment. 
He  was  as  impartial  with  the  men  of  F  Company  as 
those  of  his  own  company.  Captain  Roots  has  seen 
five  years'  service  in  the  United  States  Regular  Army, 
serving  as  bugler  in  G  troop,  Tenth  Cavalry,  and  then 
as  a  sergeant.  Our  experience  with  him  showed  well 
his  training. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  ARTHUR  A.  WILLIAMS.  Com- 
pany E. 

Lieut.  Arthur  A.  Williams  was  born  in  Athens,  Ga., 
in  1870.  He  attended  the  public  schools  in  that  city  tin- 


WILLIAM   J.    BARXETT,    CHIEF   MUSICIAN. 


BIOGRAPHIES.  97 

til  he  was  fifteen,  then  he  moved  to  Atlanta,  Ga.  He 
enlisted  in  the  Ninth  Cavalry,  United  States  Regu- 
lars, who  were  then  stationed  at  Jefferson  Barracks, 
Mo.  He  was  made  a  sergeant,  which  is  the  highest 
rank  that  the  government  bestows  on  enlisted  men  in 
the  regular  army,  i.  e.,  that  of  first  sergeant.  For  eight 
years  Sergeant  Williams  was  a  drill  master  at  the  bar- 
racks. Having  come  to  Chicago  previous  to  calling 
the  Eighth  into  service,  he  assisted  in  recruiting  Com- 
pany E,  and  was  commissioned  a  first  lieutenant  by 
Governor  Tanner. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  JAMES  M.  RAULS,  Company 

E. 

Lieutenant  Rauls  was  born  at  Picto,  Picto  County, 
Nova  Scotia.  He  served  five  years  in  Company  E  of 
the  Twenty-fifth  Infantry,  United  States  Regulars,  be- 
ing discharged  as  a  first  sergeant.  After  arriving  in 
Cuba,  Lieutenant  Rauls  was  detached  from  the  regi- 
ment with  his  company,  he  serving  as  post-adjutant 
for  five  months  at  Palma  Soriano  de  Cuba.  While  in 
Cuba  he  learned  to  speak  Spanish  quite  well. 

CAPTAIN   WILLIAM   B.   AKERS,   Company   F. 

Capt.  William  B.  Akers  was  born  in  Columbia,  Mo., 
in  1871.  He  came  to  Chicago  in  1886,  and  attended 
the  public  schools,  graduating  from  the  North  Division 
High  School  in  1891.  He  entered  the  Lake  Forest 
University  of  Law  in  1892,  graduating  in  1894.  For 
nineteen  months  he  was  a  discount  clerk  in  the  Chicago 
Water  Office.  From  February,  1893,  until  March, 
1894,  he  was  a  United  States  inspector  at  the  World's 
7 


98  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Fair  grounds.  He  was  the  recognized  political  leader 
among  the  North  Side  colored  voters.  Since  being 
mustered  out  of  the  army  he  has  returned  to  Santiago 
de  Cuba. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  CLINTON  L.  HILL,  Company  R 
Lieutenant  Hill  was  born  at  Joliet,  111.,  in  1867.  At 
the  age  of  five  years  he  moved  to  Galesburg,  111.,  then 
to  Bloomington,  111.,  where  he  attended  the  Normal 
University  of  that  city  for  a  number  of  years.  Com- 
ing to  Chicago  in  1882,  he  became  very  popular.  Lieu- 
tenant Hill  is  an  Odd  Fellow  and  a  Knight  of  Pythias, 
and  at  present  he  is  an  adjutant-general  of  the  order. 
He  assisted  in  recruiting  Company  F,  and  was  com- 
missioned her  first  lieutenant. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  McDONALD,  Company 

F. 

Lieutenant  McDonald  has  seen  ten  years'  service  in 
the  Twenty-fourth  Infantry,  United  States  Regulars, 
being  discharged  as  a  sergeant.  "Old  Soldier,"  as  he 
was  commonly  called,  was  a  very  thoroughly  drilled 
man.  He  spent  almost  his  entire  service  in  drilling  his 
company,  which  was  second  to  none  in  its  maneuvers. 
When  Company  F  was  mustered  into  service,  John 
McDonald  was  commissioned  its  second  lieutenant, 
and  he  labored  untiringly  until  mustering-out  day. 

CAPTAIN  JULIUS  WETHERSPOON,  Company  G. 

Captain  Wetherspoon  was  born  at  Arkadelphia, 
Ark.,  in  1859.  He  received  his  early  education  in  that 
town.  He  moved  to  Bloomington,  111.,  in  1884.  At 
the  time  war  was  declared  Captain  Wetherspoon  was 
on  the  police  forc.e  in  Bloomington. 


FIRST   LIEUTENANT  EDWARD    S.    MILLER. 
Chief   Field    Surgeon. 


BIOGRAPHIES.  101 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  H.  W.  JAMESON,   Company  G. 

Lieutenant  Henry  W.  Jameson  resigned  from  the 
ministry  to  join  the  Eighth  Illinois.  He  received  his 
education  at  Knox  College.  Lieutenant  Jameson 
was  a  journalist  as  well  as  a  clergyman.  While  in 
Cuba  he  filled  the  position  of  judge  advocate,  with  the 
commendation  of  his  superior  officers. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  CHARLES  M.  REECE,  Com- 
pany   G. 

Lieut.  Charles  M.  Reece  was  born  in  Bowling  Green, 
Mo.,  in  1858.  By  trade  he  was  a  barber.  He  re- 
ceived his  education  in  his  native  town.  He  moved  to 
Jacksonville  in  1888,  soon  winning  reputation  as  a  ton- 
sorial  artist.  When  called  to  arms  he  was  a  messenger 
in  the  railway  and  warehouse  commission  at  Spring- 
field. 

CAPTAIN  W.   D.  DODGE,   Company   H. 

Capt.  William  Daniel  Hodge  was  born  at  Quincy, 
111.,  in  1875,  being  the  youngest  captain  in  the  regi- 
ment. In  1879  ms  parents  moved  1o  Springfield,  111., 
where  he  has  lived  ever  since.  His  father  was  a  vet- 
eran of  the  Civil  War.  He  was  one  of  the  oragnizers 
of  the  Sons  of  Veterans  Corps  at  Springfield,  in  1891, 
he  joining  as  a  private,  but  by  1894  he  was  a  captain. 
By  his  earnest  efforts  he  made  Company  H  the  crack 
company  of  the  Eighth  Regiment. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT   R.   C.    ROSS,   Company   H. 
Lieutenant  Richard  C.  Ross  was  born  at  Alton,  Il- 
linois, in  1870.    At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  came  to 
Springfield.     At  the  time  of  his  enlistment  he  was  a 
second  cook  at  the  Leland  Hotel  of  that  city.     He 


102  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

was  the  first  lieutenant  of  the  Sons  of  Veteran  corps 
of  Springfield. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  WALTER  J.  JACKSON,  Com- 
pany H. 

Lieutenant  Walter  J.  Jackson  was  born  at  Balti- 
more, Maryland,  in  1870.  Coming  to  Chicago  he 
joined  the  Ninth  Battalion  in  1895.  Walter  was 
thoroughly  disciplined,  and  at  the  time  the  regi- 
ment was  called  out  he  was  a  sergeant.  At  the  time 
the  Eighth  was  recruiting  Sergeant  Jackson  worked 
hard  every  night  drilling  new  recruits,  irrespective  of 
companies,  and  when  the  regiment  was  mustered  in 
he  received  his  reward  in  a  second  lieutenant's  com- 
mission and  was  always  a  faithful,  constant  worker. 

CAPTAIN    FREDERICK    BALL,    JR.,    Company    I. 

Captain  Frederick  Ball,  Jr.,  was  born  at  Quincy, 
Illinois,  December  5,  1865.  He  graduated  from  the 
city  high  school,  and  after  taking  a  complete  course 
at  the  Chaddock  Law  College  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  in  November,  1895.  When  Major  Marshall  wanted 
a  man  to  recruit  a  company  in  Quincy  he  wisely 
selected  Young  Ball,  who  went  to  work  in  earnest,  and 
it  was  not  long  before  there  was  a  company  of  soldiers 
in  Quincy. 
FIRST  LIEUTENANT  WM.  H.  DALLAS,  Company  I. 

Lieutenant  William  Dallas  was  born  at  Quincy,  Il- 
linois, in  1877.  He  attended  the  public  schools  in 
that  city,  afterward  learning  the  butcher's  trade.  Enter- 
ing as  a  sergeant,  Lieutenant  Dallas  received  more 
promotions  than  any  man  in  the  regiment,  he  receiv- 
ing two  commissions  in  less  than  two  months. 


BIOGRAPHIES.  103 

SECOND    LIEUTENANT    ROBERT    F.    RADCLIFFE, 
Company  I. 

Lieutenant  Robert  F.  Radcliffe  was  a  sergeant  in  the 
Old  Ninth  when  the  Eighth  was  called.  He  enlisted 
as  sergeant-major.  He  performed  his  duties  with  such 
efficiency  that  he  soon  won  for  himself  the  promotion 
to  a  second  lieutenancy.  Whenever  the  regimental 
adjutant  was  absent  Lieutenant  Radcliffe  performed 
his  duties  with  credit.  Lieutenant  Radcliffe  left  a 
good  position  in  the  postoffice  of  Chicago  to  answer 
the  call  of  his  country,  and  his  position  was  held  open 
for  him,  being  rilled  by  a  "sub"  during  his  absence. 

CAPTAIN  LEON  W.  DENISON,  Company  K. 
Captain  Leon  W:  Denison  was  -born  in  San  Antonio, 
Texas.  He  is  a  younger  brother  of  Major  Franklin 
A.  Denison.  Captain  Denison  attended  the  public 
schools  of  his  home.  Coming  to  Chicago,  he  took  a 
special  course,  in  the  University  of  Michigan,  of  logic, 
history  and  rhetoric,  preparatory  to  entering  the  Chi- 
cago College  of  Law  in  1896.  At  the  time  he  enlisted 
in  the  Eighth  he  was  a  senior  in  that  institution.  He 
enlisted  as  a  private,  but  was  soon  commissioned  as 
Captain  of  Company  K  by  Governor  Tanner  of  Illi- 
nois. He  is  a  shrewd,  energetic  young  man  and 
worthy  of  commendation.  He  resumed  his  course  of 
law  on  being  mustered  out. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  WILLIAM  CARTER,  Company  K. 

Lieutenant  Carter  was  born  forty-eight  years  ago 
in  the  Old  Dominion,  and  came  to  Litchfield,  111.,  in 
1863.  He  is  the  smallest  and  one  of  the  best-natured 
officers  in  the  regiment.  While  the  Eighth  was  re- 


104  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

cruiting  there  was  no  man  more  earnest  or  successful 
than  he  in  recruiting.  He  always  appreciated  the  uni- 
form he  wore  and  filled  his  position  with  credit. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  JAMES  W.  WASHINGTON, 
Company   K. 

Lieutenant  James  W.  Washington  was  born  at  La 
Grange,  Missouri,  in  1863.  His  school  days  were  spent 
in  that  city.  His  profession  was  that  of  a  clergyman, 
he  being  ordained  a  Baptist  minister  at  Davenport, 
Iowa,  October  15,  1886.  The  lieutenant  filled  the  posi- 
tion of  an  oil  inspector  for  two  and  a  half  years  at 
Mammoth,  111.  Leaving  this  position,  he  became  a 
journalist,  publishing  the  Douglas  Optic,  the  first 
colored  paper  in  Knox  County,  Illinois.  In  1896  he 
moved  to  Rock  Island,  Illinois.  He  took  an  active  part 
in  recruiting  his  company  and  became  the  second 
lieutenant  while  located  at  San  Luis.  He  was  provost 
marshal,  which  position  he  filled  with  distinction.  His 
sobriquets  were  "The  Fighting  Parson"  and  "The  Old 
Man." 

CAPTAIN  GEORGE  V.  LANE,  Company  L. 

Captain  George  V.  Lane  by  profession  is  a  lawyer. 
He  was  the  most  conspicuous  captain  in  the  regiment 
by  reason  of  being  court  martialed  immediately  upon 
his  arrival  in  Cuba  for  violation  of  military  discipline. 
It  seems  that  when  leaving  Camp  Tanner,  Springfield, 
Illinois,  all  the  companies  of  the  Eighth  were  paid  one 
month's  salary  except  Companies  L  and  M.  The  reg- 
iment having  been  in  Springfield  a  month  and  a 
half,  Captain  Lane  said  that  it  was  unjust  to  send  his 
men  on  that  long  and  perilous  trip  of  three  thousand 
miles  without  a  penny  in  their  pockets.  Therefore 


BIOGRAPHIES.  105 

he,  in  behalf  of  his  men,  made  a  bold  protest,  and  did 
not  want  his  company  to  go,  but  was  finally  persuaded. 
On  reaching  Cuba  he  was  court  martialed,  which  was 
pending  some  five  or  six  months,  keeping  him  out  of 
his  company  command.  He  was  convicted  by  general 
court  martial,  and,  the  evidence  being  sent  for  the 
President's  perusal  and  sanction,  according  to  regula- 
tions, President  McKinley  revoked  the  decision  and 
acquitted  the  captain,  upon  the  grounds  that  a  cap- 
tain had  a  right  to  look  out  for  the  comfort,  care  and 
safety  of  his  men.  He  reassumed  the  command  of  his 
company  a  short  time  previous  to  our  coming  home. 
He  had  the  distinction  of  being  the  handsomest  cap- 
tain in  the  regiment.  He  was  liked  by  all,  and  the  de- 
sire of  his  heart  was  the  welfare  of  his  men.  Previous 
to  entering  the  army  Captain  Lane  was  serving  his 
third  term  as  a  county  commissioner. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  JOHN  W.  LADEN,  Company  L. 

Lieutenant  Laden  was  born  at  Mound  City,  Illinois, 
in  1873.  After  attending  the  public  schools  of  that 
city  he  went  to  Metropolis  to  enter  the  high  school  of 
that  city.  After  leaving  the  Metropolis  high  school  he 
attended  the  Evanston  high  school  to  complete  a 
course  preparatory  to  taking  a  course  of  law.  At  the 
Northwestern  LTniversity  his  law  course  was  not  com- 
plete when  he  enlisted  in  the  army. 

SECOND  LIEUTENANT  HORACE  G.   BURKE,   Com- 
pany L. 

Lieutenant  Burke  was  born  July  4,  1872,  at  Hous- 
ton, Texas,  but  in  January,  1883,  he  moved  to  Me- 
tropolis. Enlisting  in  Company  L  at  its  organization, 


KG  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

he  was  made  a  sergeant,  but  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  second  lieutenant  on  the  field  in  Cuba.  He  was  a 
bright  and  efficient  officer  and  was  respected  by  all 
who  knew  him. 

CAPTAIN  JOSEPH  W.  McADOO,  Company  M. 

Captain  Joseph  W.  McAdoo  is  a  son  of  Kentucky, 
having  been  born  in  Gibson  County,  that  state,  in  1869. 
He  has  for  the  last  fifteen  years  lived  in  Cairo,  Illinois. 
Captain  McAdoo  was  an  affable,  courageous  and  effi- 
cient officer.  He  was  liked  by  all  with  whom  he  came 
in  contact.  His  company  was  noted  as  being  void  of 
friction. 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  WM.  DONALDSON,  Company  M. 

Lieutenant  William  Donaldson  was  one  of  the  quiet- 
est, most  unassuming  officers  in  the  regiment,  having 
served  a  term  in  the  Twenty-fourth  United  States  In- 
fantry. One  of  his  superior  officers  said  of  him : 
"Whenever  anyone  else  was  worn  out  and  ready  to 
rest,  Lieutenant  Donaldson  was  always  ready  to  carry 
out  orders." 

SECOND    LIEUTENANT    NATHAN    DAVIS, 
Company  M. 

Lieutenant  Davis  was  born  in  1865,  in  Pittsylvania 
County,  Virginia,  coming  to  Cairo,  Illinois,  in  1887. 
He  is  a  self-made  man.  Standing  among  the  leaders  of 
his  race  in  the  community  to  which  he  belongs,  he  has 
always  been  true  to  himself  and  friends  and  is  reliable. 
He  took  an  active  part  in  recruiting  Company  M  and 
was  well  thought  of  by  both  officers  and  men. 

For  a  regiment  hastily  brought  together  and    re- 


BIOGRAPHIES. 


107 


crnited  from  all  over  the  state,  embracing  men  from 
various  trades  and  professions,  the  author  feels  com- 
pelled to  animadvert  upon  the  above  biographies  and 
to  express  his  personal  opinion,  without  fear  of  con- 
tradiction or  exception,  that  a  more  intelligent  body  of 
officers  and  a  finer  and  more  upright  number  of  men 
could  not  be  found  in  any  volunteer  regiment  recruited 
during  the  late  war  than  was  contained  in  the  Eighth 
Illinois. 


CHAPTER    V. 
SYNOPSIS   OF   THE    TRIP   TO    CUBA. 

On  Monday  evening,  August  8,  1898,  at  eight 
o'clock,  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment  left  Camp  Tan- 
ner, Springfield,  111.,  for  Santiago  de  Cuba,  going 
by  the  way  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  Parkersburg,  W.  Va., 
Harpers  Ferry,  Va.,  Baltimore,  Md.,  Washington, 
City,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  Jersey  City,  N.  J.,  and  New 
York  City ;  then  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  through  the 
historic  Windward  Passage,  the  Caribbean  Sea; 
thence  up  the  Santiago  Bay  to  the  City  of  Santiago. 

We  left  Springfield,  111.,  over  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio 
Southwestern  Railroad  in  four  sections,  consisting 
of  forty-six  sleeping  cars,  and,  proud  to  say,  were 
the  first  United  States  soldiers  that  ever  rode  in  sleep- 
ing cars  in  time  of  war. 

Companies  E,  F,  G  and  H  composed  the  second 
battalion,  and  of  course  was  all  that  constituted  the 
second  section.  The  writer  belonging  to  Company  F, 
was  in  this  section,  which  carried  thirteen  cars. 

Having  remained  at  Camp  Tanner,  Springfield,  for 
a  period  of  thirty-seven  days,  many  acquaintances 
and  even  friendships  were  created  between  the  soldiers 
and  the  belles  of  the  city,  for  "our  boys"  of  the  Eighth, 
as  the  girls  called  us,  were  "just  the  ideal,"  and  they 
used  to  say  "there  was  nothing  like  us,"  many  a 

108 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  109 

soldier  taking  his  chances  of  the  guard  house  rather 
than  miss  seeing  his  best  girl  at  night. 

This  was  the  condition  of  things  when  the  boys 
left  Camp  Tanner.  Far  away  down  the  railroad  track 
until  the  city  limits  were  passed  were  crowds  of 
people,  black  and  white,  men,  women  and  children, 
standing  waving  their  handkerchiefs  and  cheering  at 
the  tops  of  their  voices.  Some  were  saying,  "Good- 
by,  boys."  Take  good  care  of  yourselves,"  "Don't 
forget  the  Maine,  boys,"  and  many  hundreds  of  other 
but  similar  remarks  were  hurled  after  the  "passing 
Eighth."  Some  were  proud  with  joy,  while  others 
there  were  "with  hearts  bowed  down  with  sadness." 

It  was  somewhat  pathetic  to  see  some  of  the  girls 
taking  a  farewell  glance  at  their  soldier  lovers,  or  to  see 
a  fond  sister  or  a  dear  mother  shaking  a  tear-moistened 
handkerchief  after  an  affectionate  soldier  brother  or 
a  loving  soldier  son.  Everything  was  excitement. 
Hilarity  held  full  sway,  each  soldier's  heart  was  ani- 
mated with  the  expectant  scenes  of  war.  Every 
man's  bosom  heaved  and  swelled  over  the  anticipa- 
tions of  valor  and  victory.  We  were  off.  All  went 
well  until  we  reached  a  point  about  five  miles  west 
of  Taylorville,  111.  It  was  a  little  after  ten  o'clock 
at  night.  All  of  a  sudden  a  cry  ran  through  the  cars, 
"Two  men  have  fallen  off  the  train !"  Springing  to 
our  feet,  many  of  us  who  were  not  yet  asleep,  we 
ran  to  the  front  platform  of  our  coach  (the  "Canton") 
and  found  it  full  of  excited  men.  Someone  pulled 
the  bell  cord  to  stop  the  train,  but  it  seemed  for  a 
few  minutes  that  the  engineer  was  not  going  to 
stop.  Finally  we  heard  the  hissing  of  steam  play- 


110  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

ing  upon  the  air  brakes  and  shortly  afterward  the 
train  was  brought  to  a  standstill.  By  this  time  the 
officer  of  the  day,  Captain  Jefferson  of  Company  D, 
had  begun  an  investigation,  assisted  by  Capt.  W.  B. 
Akers  of  Company  F,  in  whose  car  the  accident  oc- 
curred, and  Second  Lieutenant  John  McDonald,  also 
of  Company  F,  who  was  officer  of  the  guard  that  day. 
It  was  soon  learned  that  two  sentinels,  who  were 
standing  guard  on  the  platform,  Privates  Charles  Am- 
brose and  George  Walls,  both  of  Company  F,  by 
some  mishap  or  other  had  fallen  off  the  train,  which, 
as  we  judged,  was  running  at  the  rate  of  about  twenty 
miles  per  hour.  The  difficulty  of  stopping  the  train 
allowed  time  enough  to  run  a  distance  of  some  five 
miles  or  more  from  the  spot  where  the  accident  had 
taken  place. 

The  engineer  was  ordered  to  back  the  train  up 
slowly.  A  diligent  search  was  instituted  all  along 
the  side  of  the  tracks  upon  which  the  men  were  re- 
ported to  have  fallen.  The  night  being  very  dark 
and  the  weeds  high  all  along  the  track,  rendered 
the  search  very  slow  and  tedious.  Finally  we  arrived 
at  a  place  where  there  was  an  embankment  of  about 
twenty  or  twenty-five  feet,  at  the  bottom  of  which 
it  was  weedy,  wet  and  marshy.  Fortunately,  and  un- 
fortunately, this  was  the  spot  where  our  comrades 
met  their  fate.  The  night  was  still  and  dark,  not 
a  sound  broke  the  silence  of  suspense  save  the  croak- 
ing of  a  pond  frog  and  the  constant  chirping  of  the 
crickets.  Men  with  lanterns  were  groping  through 
the  dismal,  wet  weeds,  silently  yet  earnestly,  for  the 
supposed  lifeless  bodies  of  the  two  sentries.  Sud- 


SYNOPSIS  OF  TITE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  Ill 

denly,  and  to  our  horror,  there  came  a  sound  of  hu- 
man cries  and  groans,  such  as  come  from  the  bosom 
of  a  brave,  good  man.  It  was  the  voice  of  sentinel 
Charles  Ambrose,  half  conscious,  with  the  left  knee- 
cap dislocated  and  otherwise  internally  seriously  hurt. 
But  as  to  poor  George  Walls,  there  came  not  a  sound 
nor  a  groan,  for  he  was  found  unconscious  and  was 
thought  by  us  at  first  to  be  dead,  for  he  was  limp 
and  speechless.  The  extent  of  his  injuries,  as  we 
were  informed  by  the  surgeon,  was  "that  one  shoulder 
and  a  thigh  bone  were  dislocated  and  two  of  his  ribs 
broken." 

We  found  the  butt,  or  stock,  of  Ambrose's  gun, 
but  the  barrel  we  never  got.  This  stock  was  carried 
on  to  Cuba  and  brought  back  under  the  care  of  First 
Sergeant  Augustus  Rantus  of  Company  F.  The  ac- 
cident, sad  as  it  was,  was  fortunate  in  one  respect. 
Had  -the  men  fallen  off  a  minute  sooner  they  both 
would  have  met  instant  death.  Where  they  fell  was 
just  about  thirty  feet  from  a  high  trestle  which  the 
train  had  just  passed  over.  Perhaps  their  bodies 
would  not  have  been  recovered  that  night. 

The  both  were  put  in  the  hospital  car ;  the  surgeon, 
Lieutenant  Miller,  and  other  officers  sacrificed  sleep 
and  comfort  for  the  alleviation  of  their  misery  and 
pain. 

After  having  lost  an  hour  or  more  of  scheduled 
time  we  resumed  our  trip  onward  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
reaching  there  at  12  m.  We  were  detained  in  Cin- 
cinnati for  about  an  hour.  Some  yardmen  measured 
our  coaches,  cutting  out  three  that  were  too  high  to 
pass  through  the  many  tunnels  through  which  we 


112  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

had  to  pass.  After  leaving  the  state  of  Ohio  we 
passed  into  West  Virginia,  which  was  very  moun- 
tainous, and  therefore  many  railroad  tunnels. 

After  leaving  Cincinnati  our  trip  was  uneventful, 
except  the  enthusiastic  demonstrations  we  received 
from  town  to  town.  Patriotic  men,  women  and  chil- 
dren waved  flags,  Dewey  banners,  etc.,  at  the  passing 
of  the  "Eighth  Illinois." 

Chillicothe,  Ohio,  was  reached  about  five  o'clock 
Tuesday,  August  9.  Here  we  were  met  at  the  depot 
by  a  delegation  of  some  of  the  most  benevolent 
ladies  that  one  would  ever  expect  to  meet  in  a 
lifetime's  travel — typical  and  purely  American.  They 
carried  large  clothes  baskets  filled  with  good  sand- 
wiches and  rich  coffee  by  the  gallon.  Such  coffee 
we  never  had  since  we  left  our  homes  for  Camp  Tan- 
ner. The  train  had  scarcely  come  to  a  standstill  be- 
fore those  good  folks  were  aboard  our  train  and  in 
ever  coach,  feeding  our  hungry  boys.  Cup  after  cup 
of  good,  hot  coffee  was  poured  out,  nor  did  they 
cease  feeding  us  until  every  soldier's  hunger  was 
satiated.  There  were  many  friendships  created  while 
we  were  at  this  little  city.  Many  a  soldier  lost  a 
United  States  army  button  from  his  blouse.  Every- 
where it  was,  "Soldier,  give  me  a  button,  please." 

"Give  me  a  button,  soldier — please."  "Dang! 
dang-gle-lang !"  echoed  the  engine  bell ;  there  was 
a  surge,  an  uproar  of  "Good-by  boys,"  soldiers 
and  officers  running  and  climbing  and  hanging 
upon  the  steps  of  each  coach.  The  Eighth  Illinois 
was  off  again,  speedily  noisily  onward  toward  the 
Atlantic  seaboard.  The  ladies  at  Chillicothe  told  us 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  U3 

that  at  Greenfield  we  would  receive  the  same  treat- 
ment, which  we  found  to  be  not  exaggerated. 

Onward  we  sped,  the  huge  black  locomotive  puffing 
and  moving  with  more  energy  than  she  had  ever  had 
before  up  steep  grades,  around  sharp  curves,  through 
deep  cuts,  with  huge  boulders  projecting  far  out  over 
our  heads,  over  ravines,  trestles  and  bridges  we 
passed,  when  eleven  o'clock  finds  us  at  the  patriotic 
little  city  of  Athens,  Ohio.  This  was  Tuesday,  Au- 
gust 9th,  ii  p.  m.  Here  we  were  subjected  to  the  same 
hospitality  that  was  bestowed  upon  us  earlier  in  the 
day  at  Chillicothe  and  Greenfield.  Notwithstanding 
the  lateness  of  the  evening  we  got  our  sandwiches 
and  hot  coffee  just  the  same.  Some  of  the  boys  were 
very  much  worried,  tired  and  fatigued  on  account  of 
a  few  hundred  miles  ride,  consequently  were  in  their 
berths  asleep.  Nevertheless,  they  awoke,  poked 
their  heads  out  between  the  curtains  and  would 
say,  "Don't  forget  me,  lady,  please,"  and  there 
were  but  a  few  who  got  left,  for  that's  not  a  part  of 
a  soldier's  duty  to  get  left. 

It  is  now  ii  o'clock  p.  m.  A  day  spent  well. 
Nearly  all  day  long  we  were  traveling  mid  scenes  of 
loyalty  and  patriotic  applause,  passing  through  ave- 
nues of  American  stars  and  stripes  waved  and  un- 
furled by  the  hands  of  liberty-loving  men  and  women, 
little  bits  of  boys  and  girls  standing  far  up  on  the 
hillsides,  hanging  upon  fences,  waving  and  halloo- 
ing '"Rah  !  for  de  Eight  Illinois."  Long  after  the  night 
shades  had  fallen  and  twilight  and  darkness  had 
hushed  everything  in  silence  and  repose,  occasionally 
we  could  hear  a  faint  juvenile  voice  echo  "Hoorah 
8 


114  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

for  de  Eight  Illinois !"  This  was  Tuesday  night,  Au- 
gust Qth.  We  had  traveled  entirely  across  the  three 
most  enterprising  and  liberty-loving  states  in  the 
Union — Illinois,  Indiana  and  Ohio. 

On  leaving  Athens  we  had  only  a  short  run  be- 
fore we  reached  Parkersburg,  W.  Va.,  and  just  as  the 
train  was  passing  over  the  high  bridge  that  spanned 
the  Ohio  River  into  West  Virginia  the  hands  of  the 
town  clock  were  just  pointing  to  the  hour  of  twelve 
midnight.  At  Parkersburg  the  time  changes.  It 
is  one  hour  earlier  than  the  central  time.  Most  of 
us  who  were  not  asleep  wished  we  had  reached  this 
city  in  the  daytime,  that  we  might  have  obtained  a 
better  view  of  it.  The  bridge  that  spans  the  river 
here  is  sixty  or  seventy-five  feet  above  the  water 
and  extends  far  into  the  city  in  the  nature  of  a  via- 
duct. We  passed  above  a  park  along  the  river  front 
of  the  city  and  many  streets  below  before  the  tracks 
were  on  terra  firma  or  the  depot  was  reached.  While 
on  the  bridge  and  looking  down  upon  the  city  the 
electric  lights  presented  a  grand  spectacle  while 
throwing  out  their  effulgent  rays  upon  the  silence  of 
midnight's  quiet  repose. 

This  was  the  first  time  since  we  left  Camp  Tanner 
that  the  second  section  had  overtaken  the  first,  and 
of  course  there  were  a  few  "exchanges"  between  the 
boys  of  both  sections.  We  had  to  stay  in  Parkers- 
burg an  hour  or  more  to  await  the  repairs  of  the 
engine  of  the  first  section,  which  had  broken  a  piston 
rod.  It  required  some  time  to  replace  another. 

We  were  just  on  the  verge  of  the  mountainous  part 
of  our  journey.  It  required  two  engines  to  each  sec- 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  115 

tion  and  it  seemed  that  engines  there  were  things  of 
scarcity,  and  we  either  had  to  have  ours  repaired  or 
we  would  have  to  wait  much  longer  for  another. 

On  leaving  Parkersburg  we  merged  into  the  scenic 
section  of  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio  Railroad,  darting 
through  dark  tunnels,  climbing  spirally  the  lofty  steeps 
of  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains,  sliding  down  long 
curved  grades,  while  over  our  heads  projected  huge 
boulders  bedecked  with  ferns,  shrubbery  and  huge 
trees,  which  seemed  to  bow  applause  to  the  passing 
Eighth.  Looking  far  down  the  green  mountain  slope 
the  little  rivulets  and  streams,  like  white  silvery 
threads,  were  busily  yet  noiselessly  winding  their  way 
onward  toward  the  sea. 

Anyone,  on  passing  through  the  cars,  would  see  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  living  pictures  of  Christianized 
humanity.  All  within  was  sobriety,  mutuality  and  sub- 
limity. The  men  were  paired  and  quartered  in  twos 
and  fours,  some  reading,  some  having  social  games 
at  cards  and  checkers,  some  humming  almost  inaudi- 
ble songs  of  loved  ones,  home,  friends  and  kindred, 
while  others  were  making  selections  as  to  who  would 
be  their  comrades  through  the  war  and  who  they 
would  tent  with  upon  their  arrival  in  Cuba.  Such 
vivid  scenes  will  ever  be  held  in  reverence  and  cher- 
ished the  memory  of  the  boys  of  the  Eighth. 

At  5  145  p.  m.  Wednesday,  August  loth,  we  were  en- 
tering the  environments  of  the  august  capital  city 
of  our  great  republic — Washington  City.  We  were 
not  taken  through  the  city,  but  carried  around  it  on 
the  belt  line,  but  there  were  many  persons  at  the  belt 


116  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

station  to  greet  and  welcome  the  passing  of  the  much 
talked-of  Eighth. 

One  of  the  many  personages  that  met  us  there  was 
Dr.  A.  M.  Curtis,  formerly  of  the  Provident  Hospital, 
Chicago,  111.,  but  later  of  the  Freedman's  Hospital 
of  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  I  dare  say  there  are  but 
few  other  men  of  our  race  that  had  the  interest  at 
heart  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  as  did  he.  What  little 
time  we  remained  there  he  was  busy  going  from  win- 
dow to  window  of  the  cars,  shaking  hands,  saying 
"Good-by"  and  wishing  "God  speed"  to  the  soldier 
boys,  to  strangers  and  friends  alike,  so  ardent  and 
unbiased  was  his  respect  and  interest  in  our  boys. 
Dr.  A.  M.  Curtis  is  a  cousin  of  Dr.  D.  W.  Cur- 
tis, who  held  the  commission  of  assistant  surgeon 
with  rank  of  a  first  lieutenant  in  the  Eighth  Illinois 
Regiment.  Lieutenant  T.  W.  Curtis,  after  our  ar- 
rival in  Cuba,  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  detached 
military  hospital,  Military  Post  No.  i,  at  Palma  Sori- 
ano de  Cuba,  by  Colonel  Marshall ;  a  wise  selection, 
too.  Upon  all  occasions  Dr.  Curtis  was  found  to  ex- 
ercise his  entire  energies  in  behalf  of  the  wants  and 
needs  of  the  sick  soldiers  of  Companies  E  and  F, 
who  were  stationed  at  this  post,  some  twenty  odd 
miles  away  from  the  main  body  of  the  regiment,  far 
away  in  the  mountains.  Many  were  the  times  that 
Dr.  Curtis  mounted  his  steed  and  rode  off  to  San 
Luis  through  lonely  lane-like  roads,  through  palm 
groves  and  cane,  in  pursuit  of  provisions  and  medi- 
cines for  his  sick  soldiers  in  Palma,  who  were  in 
dire  need  of  nourishment,  etc.  He  on  more  than 
one  occasion  contributed  money  out  of  his  own  purse 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  117 

for  such  things.  He  also  visited  the  camp  quarters 
by  permission  of  the  post  commander  and  solicited  the 
amount  of  twenty-five  cents  from  each  soldier  in  or- 
der to  establish  a  sick  fund  to  purchase  luxuries  for 
those  who  were  sick  and  helpless  in  the  hospital, 
as  well  as  for  those  who  might  fall  ire  to  the  much 
dreaded  diseases. 

Leaving  Washington  City,  seven  o'clock  finds  us 
at  Baltimore,  Md.  This  was  7  p.  m.  Wednesday, 
August  loth.  The  tracks  that  our  cars  were  on  had 
stone  walls  on. either  side,  which  shut  off  our  view 
of  the  streets,  the  tops  of  which  were  crowded  with 
little  children. 

While  in  Baltimore  we  were  treated  with  less  en- 
thusiasm than  we  had  received  in  any  other  of  the 
cities  we  had  previously  passed  through.  With  the 
exception  of  a  few  boys  and  .girls  who  ran  alongside 
our  cars,  begging  us  for  hardtack  or  buttons  from 
our  blouses,  there  was  nothing  to  mark  the  appear- 
ance or  the  passing  of  the  Eighth.  While  we  were 
in  Baltimore  some  of  our  officers  left  the  train  and 
went  into  a  restaurant  to  get  a  lunch  and  they  were  de- 
liberately refused.  Think  of  it.  An  American  re- 
fusing to  sell  a  hungry  American  soldier  something 
to  eat !  All  on  account  of  his  color.  Such  American 
citizens  stand  greatly  in  need  of  much  Christianizing 
and  are  void  of  civilization.  While  passing  through 
Baltimore  we  were  carried  through  a  long  tunnel. 
We  did  not  see  much  of  the  city. 

At  one  o'clock  in  the  morning,  August  nth,  we 
arrived  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.  There  was  nothing  of 
any  importance  transpired  while  there. 


118  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Between  four  and  five  o'clock  Thursday  morning, 
August  nth,  we  reached  Jersey  City,  fl  speak  of 
the  second  section  in  order  to  be  more  accurate,  for 
there  was  a  varied  difference  of  time  between  the 
arrival  of  the  several  sections.]  Here,  for  the  first 
time  since  leaving  Athens,  Ohio,  we  had  a  chance 
to  get  anything  to  eat  apart  from  our  traveling  ra- 
tions. 

After  arriving  at  Jersey  City  there  were  no  special 
restraints  put  upon  the  soldiers  by  the  colonel.  They 
were  permitted  to  go  free  at  will,  purchasing  what- 
ever they  wanted  to  buy  for  the  comfort  of  their  ocean 
voyage.  The  men  did  not  abuse  these  privileges  by 
buying  intoxicating  drink  in  excess.  Many  bought 
bottles  of  beer  and  a  very  little  liquor.  They  drank 
it  immediately  to  brace  themselves  up  after  their  long 
ride  from  Springfield  to  New  York.  This  was  the 
extent  of  their  indulgence.  They  also  bought  to- 
bacco, cigars  and  lunch  bags,  and  when  the  time 
came  to  be  transferred  over  into  New  York  City 
the  officers  experienced  but  little  difficulty  in  handlirrg 
so  large  a  body  of  men.  The  entire  regiment  was 
complimented  by  observers  for  their  quietness,  their 
manly  behavior  and  soldierly  conduct.  They  marched 
down  West  street  with  all  the  stolidity  of  men  who  had 
received  years  of  special  training.  Steadily  yet  noise- 
lessly they  quickly  trod  amid  the  cheers  and  applause 
of  the  vast  crowd  that  had  gathered  on  either  side 
of  the  thoroughfare  until  the  pier  was  reached.  Here 
lay  the  steamer,  or  cruiser  "Yale."  She  was  to  figure 
in  the  latter  half  of  our  journey  to  Santiago  de  Cuba. 
The  transfer  from  Jersey  City  over  the  East  River 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  119 

to  New  York  City  was  accomplished  by  u  o'clock 
a.  m.  This  was  on  Thursday,  August  nth.  It  re- 
quired but  a  short  time  to  have  our  baggage  and 
equipments  brought  over  and  loaded  on  board  the 
Yale. 

In  the  meantime  quite  a  number  of  the  officers, 
non-commissioned  officers  and  a  few  privates  suc- 
ceeded in  eluding  the  sentinels.  They  found  their 
way  to  the  streets  and  slipped  off  up  town.  Of  course 
it  became  their  prerogative  to  sample  some  of  "Old 
Knickerbocker's"  wet  goods. 

All  was  ready.  The  Yale  had  cleared,  turned  about 
and  headed  toward  the  open  sea.  She  was  not  off 
as  yet.  She  had  to  wait  for  a  tug  to  bring  those  who 
were  left  at  the  docks  out  to  her.  When  the  tug 
reached  the  Yale  some  of  the  men  saw  the  Yale,  while 
others  saw  two  or  three  Yales.  Some  of  the  boys 
wished  to  spend  a  few  hours  in  the  eastern  metropolis. 
They  wanted  to  tell  the  New  Yorkers  how  they  ex- 
pected to  vanquish  the  Spanish  soldier  after  arriving 
in  Cuba.  This  was  not  permitted  owing  to  our  colo- 
nel's hurried  instructions.  He  was  to  report  with 
his  command  at  the  earliest  practicable  date  at  San- 
tiago. 

Some  of  our  men  were  left  in  New  York  after  all. 
The  following  is  the  list  of  those  who  were  left : 
Corporal  Arthur  Thompson,  Company  F;  Sergeant 
Samuel  Rudd,  Company  F ;  Private  Charles  Anv 
brose,  Company  F ;  Private  John  Jones,  Company  E ; 
Private  George  Walls,  Company  F ;  Private  George 
Hening,  Company  E;  Private  Samuel  Claxton,  Com- 
pany C ;  Private  Charles  Hays,  Company  F. 


120  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Private  Charles  Ambrose  and  Private  George  Walls, 
Company  F,  were  left  on  account  of  having  fallen 
from  the  train,  as  previously  mentioned.  Band  Ser- 
geant Samuel  Rudd  was  left  on  account  of  having 
contracted  rheumatism  while  at  Camp  Tanner,  but 
there  has  never  been  any  accurate  account  given  as 
to  the  cause  of  the  other  men  being  left  in  New  York. 
We  do  not  know  whether  it  was  that  they  did  not 
hear  the  Yale  whistle  preparatory  to  her  leaving,  or 
whether  it  was  that  they  heard  the  whistle  of  two  or 
three  Yales  and  were  unable  to  determine  which  one 
they  were  to  make.  However,  when  they  came  to 
the  docks  to  go  on  board  the  true  Yale  we  were 
many  miles  away  at  sea,  or  possibly  at  Santiago. 

They  did  not  rejoin  their  respective  companies  un- 
til in  September. 

Private  George  Walls,  after  his  recovery,  was 
granted  a  furlough,  but  in  the  meantime  his  conduct 
was  prejudicial  to  good  order  and  military  discip- 
line. He  was  tried  and  was  dishonorably  discharged 
from  the  United  States  army  service  by  a  general 
order  issued  by  General  Nelson  A.  Miles  of  the  United 
States  army,  December  6,  1898. 

Charles  Ambrose  received  an  honorable  discharge 
on  account  of  inability  to  do  further  military  duty, 
per  general  order  from  General  Miles,  December  10, 
1898.  Private  Ambrose  is  a  cripple  for'  life,  having 
had  his  left  knee-cap  taken  off,  thus  leaving  that  limb 
a  little  better  than  a  wooden  leg.  He  will  ever  re- 
member Monday  night,  August  8,  1898. 

We  left  New  York  City  at  one  o'clock  Thursday. 
August  u,  1898.  We  glided  out  of  the  harbor  until  the 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  121 

open  sea  was  reached,  when  the  prow  of  our  steamer 
pointed  toward  the  islands  of  the  Caribbean  Sea.  No 
incident  of  any  importance  marred  our  voyage.  We 
were  out  three  days  when  we  were  hailed  by  a  scout 
steamer  of  the  government  service  inquiring  for  news 
from  the  States. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  fourth  night  of  our  voyage 
about  nine  o'clock  the  lookout  on  our  cruiser  espied 
a  strange  ship  in  the  darkness.  The  captain  of  our 
vessel  signaled  to  her  but  she  made  no  response. 
The  ship  was  thought  to  be  a  Spanish  vessel.  Re- 
ceiving no  answer  to  his  signaling,  the  captain  of  the. 
Yale  ordered  the  naval  crew  to  duty.  In  less  time 
than  it  takes  to  tell  it  every  man  was  at  his  post. 
An  eight-inch  shell  was  brought  on  deck  and  every- 
thing was  ready  for  action,  but  there  was  no  need 
of  it.  The  strange  ship,  changing  her  course,  soon 
passed  out  of  view  in  the  darkness  of  the  night. 

Passing  onward,  nothing  more  of  incident  trans- 
pired until  Sunday  afternoon,  August  I4th,  when  we 
sighted  the  Island  of  San  Salvador.  A  round  of  three 
cheers  went  up  from  many  throats.  It  was  the  first 
land  that  we  had  sighted  for  four  days.  There  were 
many  who  were  excited  with  joy.  They  thought  that 
they  had  sighted  Cuba  at  last.  But  alas !  there  was 
a  disappointment.  The  land  that  was  seen  was  not 
Cuba,  but  one  of  the  Bahama  Islands,  San  Salvador. 
This  was  the  first  land  sighted  on  the  morning  of 
October  n,  1492,  by  that  famous  discoverer,  Chris- 
topher Columbus.  The  Italian  voyager,  sailing  un- 
der the  flag  of  Spain,  planted  a  cross  and  retained 
the  island  for  the  same  crown  that  the  Eighth  Illi- 


121  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS:' 

nois  was  sailing  thence  to  wrest  the  Island  of  Cuba 
— the  King  of  the  Antilles — from. 

About  ten  o'clock  Monday  morning,  August  i5th, 
the  long  looked  for  foreign  shore  was  in  sight.  Cuba 
was  in  view.  A  long  range  of  mountains,  some  rug- 
ged and  barren,  others  in  coat  of  green,  stretched 
back  from  the  shore  far  away  in  the  distance.  Here 
and  there  a  rocky  promontory  projected  its  rocky 
crest  far  into  the  ocean.  Now  and  then  a  cape  was 
rounded.  In  and  out  we  touched  the  little  bays, 
all  of  which  bespoke  of  a  foreign  shore.  It  was  Cuba, 
the  destination  which  the  Eighth  Illinois  was  to  reach. 
Here  they  were  to  brave  the  dangers  of  a  voracious 
and  much  dreaded  disease,  the  "yellow  jack,"  or  a 
probability  of  having  to  encounter  a  Spanish  bullet 
or  an  enemy's  machete,  all  because  they  were  loyal 
countrymen  espousing  the  cause  of  a  great  republic. 
All  because  they  were  sworn  and  pledged  to  protect 
and  uphold  the  dignity  and  honor  of  the  stars  and 
stripes  that  waved  over  the  once  pride  of  the  United 
States  navy — "The  Maine." 

Onward,  down  the  rock-bound  coast  our  brave  ship 
gallantly  plowed  through  the  dashing  surges.  Peak 
after  peak  came  to  view,  then  passed  away  in  the  dis- 
tance. Monday  afternoon,  August  i5th,  we  arrived 
at  the  mouth  of  Guantanamo  Bay.  This  was  our 
first  stoppage  since  we  left  New  York  City.  Here 
again  some  of  the  soldiers  thought  that  it  was  San- 
tiago Bay,  but  soon  ascertained  different.  We  stopped 
here  some  three-quarters  of  an  hour  or  more.  In 
the  bay  lay  many  United  States  war  vessels  guarding 
two  or  three  captured  vessels  belonging  to  Spain. 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  115 

After  an  exchange  of  a  few  naval  signals  the  Yale 
steamed  about  and  was  soon  on  her  last  run  for  San- 
tiago de  Cuba.  Guantanamo  City  we  did  not  touch, 
owing  to  its  being  situated  about  six  miles  up  the 
bay  on  a  little  river  by  the  same  name  which  emptied 
into  the  bay.  Later  in  the  afternoon  we  arrived  at 
the  spot  where  once  stood  a  little  Spanish  town. 
This  was  Siboney  (se-bo-na).  Here  it  was  where  the 
first  Spanish-American  battle  was  fought  on  the  island. 
The  Americans  captured  this  town  and  burned  it,  the 
ruins  of  which  were  still  smoldering  when  we  were 
passing. 

It  was  about  n  o'clock  Monday  morning,  August 
1 5th.  There  were  some  soldiers  up  in  the  rigging 
of  the  ship.  All  at  once  they  yelled  down  to  the 
boys  on  deck,  "Say,  boys,  there's  old  Moro!" 
"Where?  where?"  many  voices  echoed.  "Go  around 
on  the  other  side  of  the  ship  and  you  can  see  her." 
Sure  enough,  there  before  our  gaze,  in  the  dim  dis- 
tance, stood  old  Moro  Castle,  silent,  sullen  and  de- 
fiant, but  dismantled. 

A  short  time  later  the  United  States  auxiliary  cruiser 
with  the  cargo  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment  lay 
anchored  in  the  mouth  of  the  historic  Santiago  Bay, 
right  under  the  now  defenseless  castle.  Upon  this 
scene  we  remained  all  of  the  afternoon,  but  during 
the  night  our  boat  had  drifted  some  ten  miles  out 
and  down  the  coast.  Next  morning  she  headed  back 
toward  Santiago  Bay,  which  we  reached  a  short  time 
before  noon  again.  We  laid  there  in  front  of  the 
castle  until  about  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 
Tuesday,  August  i6th,  we  were  still  on  the  Yale. 


126  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Midday  finds  her  at  the  entrance  of  Santiago  Bay 
basking  in  the  tropical  sunshine  of  the  Caribbean 
Sea.  About  one  o'clock  a  launch  came  alongside  of 
our  vessel  and  an  army  official  came  aboard  the  Yale 
and  held  a  short  conversation  with  our  commandant. 
He  then  climbed  back  into  the  launch  and  steamed 
up  the  bay.  Shortly  afterward  there  was  seen  a 
smaller  vessel  than  ours  steaming  slowly  out  of  the 
bay.  It  proved  to  be  the  lighter  Burnside.  Then 
a  second  one  appeared.  This  was  the  Orizaba. 
Lastly  came  two  tugs,  the  Laura  and  Bessie.  The 
two  lighters,  Burnside  and  Orizaba,  stopped  and 
dropped  anchors  about  two  hundred  yards  off. 

Then  there  were  active  preparations  going  on  aboard 
the  Yale  to  relieve  her  of  her  five  days'  burden.  It 
was  five  days  almost  to  the  hour  from  the  time  we  left 
New  York  harbor  until  we  began  to  disembark  at 
Santiago  Bay.  Five  days  and  nights  we  spent  with 
our  clothes  on.  We  were  not  allowed  inside  the  Yale, 
but  had  to  sleep  on  deck  in  whatever  weather  that 
happened.  The  Sixth  Massachusetts,  that  preceded 
us  on  the  Yale,  was  so  dirty  and  acted  so  bad  and 
left  the  ship  in  such  a  filthy  condition  that  the  com- 
mander of  the  vessel  feared  a  repetition  of  affairs. 
But  he  was  mistaken.  He  told  many  of  us 
that  he  was  surprised  at  such  gentlemanly  con- 
duct of  such  a  large  body  of  men,  and  with- 
out any  exaggeration  the  decks  of  the  cruiser  were 
just  as  clean  comparatively  when  the  Eighth  was 
transferred  at  Santiago  as  when  they  went  aboard  at 
New  York.  They  expected  the  decks  to  be  kept  in 
a  filthy  condition,  owing  to  seasickness,  etc.,  and  were 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  127 

not  over-particular  in  keeping  them  clean.  But  after 
the  first  day's  voyage,  finding  things  to  the  contrary, 
the  boys  of  the  Eighth  were  up  every  morning  at  five 
o'clock  so  that  the  ship's  crew  could  wash  down  the 
decks.  Early  dawn  would  find  us  all  piled  upon  each 
other  along  the  sides  of  the  steamer,  rolled  up 
in  blankets  to  keep  ourselves  warm  and  com- 
fortable as  possible  from  the  chilled  ocean  breeze 
and  the  heavy  nightly  mist  of  the  wild  billows. 
Quite  often,  while  the  ironclad  prow  of  our  cruiser 
was  plowing  its  way  sturdily  through  the  wild 
and  angry  billows,  a  monster  wave  would  leap 
high  up  in  the  air,  throwing  her  silvery  sprays  over 
everyone  in  reach  upon  the  deck.  Many  a  time  I've 
seen  a  comrade  standing  laughing  at  another  unfor- 
tunate who  had  just  been  water  soaked,  when  an- 
other receding  wave  would  make  its  appearance  upon 
the  deck  and  "splash !"  he'd  get  it  right  in  the  face 
or  alongside  the  head.  There  would  not  be  any  more 
laughing  for  a  while,  but  when  the  mist  cleared  away 
there  would  be  a  dripping,  water-soaked  mass  of  hu- 
manity left  standing,  while  the  previous  victim  would 
be  singing,  "And  I  guess  that  will  hold  you  for 
awhile." 

Every  morning,  while  the  crew  would  be  busy  wash- 
ing down  the  decks,  we  would  pull  our  shoes  off, 
give  our  feet  a  good  soaking  in  the  salty  ocean  water 
which  was  as  salty  as  brine,  while  the  hose  was  being 
used.  This  added  a  great  deal  to  our  comfort,  as  it 
had  a  tendency  to  keep  our  feet  from  swelling  from 
having  our  shoes  on  so  many  hours  at  a  time. 

We  were  transferred  to  the  Burnside  and  the  Orizaba 


128  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

by  the  tug  Bessie  and  our  arms  and  equipments  were 
put  on  the  tug  Laura,  which  was  manned  and  worked 
bv  Cuban  men.  Here  for  first  time  we  saw  the  Cuban 
in  his  native  country.  They  worked  like  little  Turks, 
so  to  speak.  It  seemed  that  the  sight  of  their  new 
American  benefactors  made  them  feel  grateful  and 
they  wanted  to  show  us  what  adepts  they  were  at 
handling  dockage  or  freight.  After  we  had  been 
transferred  aboard  the  lighters  they  steamed  slowly 
out  of  the  Caribbean  Sea  into  the  Bay  of  Santiago 
and  six  miles  up  to  Santiago  City. 

While  the  lighters  were  gliding  slowly  away  toward 
Santiago  I  stood  on  the  deck  of  the  Orizaba  and 
looked  back  at  the  Yale,  which  lay  upon  the  bosom 
of  the  calm  Caribbean  Sea  like  some  huge  leviathan 
grayhound,  and  while  I  stood  there  silently  and  ear- 
nestly gazing  at  her  ponderous  hulk,  I  thanked  her 
over  and  over  again  for  having  brought  us  more  than 
eighteen  hundred  miles  across  the  boundless  deep  with- 
out one  accident  to  cause  us  a  fear  or  a  regret. 

After  we  were  about  half  way  up  the  bay  we  ex- 
perienced a  violent  electric  and  tropical  storm  which 
almost  swamped  the  Orizaba.  The  storm  last  some 
three-quarters  of  an  hour,  when  it  abated ;  then  we 
resumed  our  onward  journey  toward  the  city  of  Samp- 
son-Schley  fame. 

We  reached  Santiago  about  seven  o'clock  on  the 
evening  of  T.uesday,  August  i6th.  Immediately  after 
we  were  landed  our  companies  were  formed  into  col- 
umns of  fours  and  through  mud  and  water  from  four 
to  five  inches  deep  we  marched  direct  to  the  famous 
San  Juan  Hill.  The  night  was  wet  and  dark,  the 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  129 

narrow,  lane-like  road  was  full  of  mudholes  and  wash- 
outs, strange  and  new.  Some  of  the  men  carried 
three  and  four  guns,  rolls,  canteens,  etc.,  while  others 
were  loaded  down  with  boxes  of  hardtack,  canned 
beef,  coffee  and  beans ;  every  man  was  tasked.  On- 
ward we  marched,  stumbling,  falling,  slipping  and 
catching  in  a  dark,  strange  country.  Sometimes  we 
would  be  in  a  mudhole,  then  in  a  little  ravine  or 
gully,  upon  the  side  of  a  mound,  then  down  again  in 
the  would-be  road  full  of  boulders  and  cobblestones. 
To  say  there  was  some  profanity  used  is  putting  it 
mildly.  Thus  was  our  first  march  in  Cuba. 

Having  camped  near  Santiago  two  nights  (which 
is  mentioned  in  another  chapter),  we  left  for  San 
Luis.  We  started  at  ten  o'clock  Thursday  night, 
August  i8th.  We  were  carried  over  the  F.  C.  S.  Y. 
M.  Railroad  (Ferro-carril  Sibonila  y  Mororia),  which 
had  Santiago  for  one  terminal  and  San  Luis  the  other, 
a  distance  of  thirty-five  miles,  arriving  at  San  Luis 
at  2:45  a-  m-  Friday  morning,  August  I9th.  We  all 
remained  in  the  cars,  which  were  baggage  cars,  flat 
cars  and  cattle  cars  mixed  (quite  a  change  from  the 
sleeping  cars  in  the  States)  until  daylight.  Then  we 
got  out,  stacked  our  arms,  piled  up  our  equipments 
and  had  some  hardtacks  and  coffee.  The  officers  al- 
lowed the  men  the  liberty  of  the  town  for  a  few  hours 
and  it  was  not  long  before  the  newcomers  were  scat- 
tered everywhere  trying  to  buy  something  good  to 
eat,  Colonel  Marshall  taking  the  precaution  to  close 
up  the  saloons  for  the  time  being.  He  was  told  that 
the  cane  rum  which  the  natives  used  there  would  pos- 
sibly precipitate  fever  and  would  be  detrimental,  the 
9 


130  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

* 

boys  not  being  accustomed  to  it.  Some  of  the  men 
found  means  to  get  their  little  gin,  but  there  were 
no  drunks. 

By  ten  o'clock  we  were  under  arms  again,  march- 
ing toward  "Old  Creasau's"  sugar  mill,  about  two  miles 
from  town,  where  our  first  real  camp — "Camp  Mar- 
shall"— was  made.  We  had  no  more  than  arrived  at 
this  place  and  begun  pitching  our  tents  among  high 
weeds,  lizards,  large  spiders,  small  snakes,  etc.,  be- 
fore the  rain  began  to  pour  down  in  torrents.  This 
lasted  only  a  short  time  before  the  hot  sun  burst 
through  the  clouds,  causing  the  vapors  to  rise  from 
the  ground.  The  sultry  heat  and  the  smell  of  dying 
vegetation  produced  a  very  sickening  effect  upon  us. 
but  we  kept  right  on  putting  up  our  tents  in  order 
that  we  might  soon  have  some  shade  and  rest.  Hav- 
ing got  our  tents  up,  our  arms  and  equipments  put 
away,  details  of  men  from  each  company  were  sent 
out  to  procure  wood  and  water  for  the  cooks  so  that 
we  could  have  some  mess,  while  other  details  were 
formed  to  put  up  army  ranges,  hospital  tents  and 
officers'  quarters.  Soon  there  were  many  blue  col- 
umns of  smoke  seen  issuing  from  the  various  cook 
tents.  Camp  Marshall  was  all  in  a  bustle,  like  unto 
a  May  day  in  the  States.  The  Eighth  Illinois  was 
really  camped  in  Cuba  at  last.  At  half-past  five  re- 
treat was  sounded  and  a  few  minutes  after  six  we 
were  all  scattered  about,  some  sitting  down  and  oth- 
ers lying  prone  upon  the  ground,  eating  our  canned 
beef,  which  was  warmed  over  to  make  it  more  pal- 
atable, and  half  a  cup  of  black  coffee.  This  was  our 
supper. 


_e 
-c 


o 

•GO 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  133 

A   BRIEF   SKIRMISH   OVER  AN    OX   CART. 

About  seven  o'clock  in  the  evening  our  first  ser- 
geants came  through  the  company  streets  by  order 
of  our  captains  and  issued  to  us  our  first  ammunition, 
giving  to  each  man  twenty  rounds  of  cartridges,  and 
we  were  told  that  we  would  be  held  responsible  for 
them  and  that  we  would  be  charged  one  dollar  for 
every  cartridge  that  we  lost  or  fired  without  orders. 

Later  on  we  were  informed  that  there  were  about 
two  thousand  Spanish  guerillas  scattered  about  in  the 
range  of  mountains  that  encircled  our  camp  in  the 
distance  and  they  might  make  a  night  attack  upon 
us  at  any  time.  Every  soldier  (I  speak  of  the  second 
battalion)  was  ordered  to  sleep  on  his  arms.  Every- 
one was  anxiously  awaiting  the  supposed  Spaniards. 

Two  lines  of  pickets  were  put  out  with  special  in- 
structions. At  nine  o'clock  all  lights  in  the  camp 
were  extinguished.  Suddenly  there  was  a  report  of 
a  picket's  gun,  which  was  answered  by  another  sen- 
tinel. This  was  meant  to  arouse  the  guards  at  the 
guard  house  and  to  call  out  the  officer  of  the  guard 
and  the  officer  of  the  day.  Also  to  summon  the 
specified  companies  to  arms.  Instantly  the  men  were 
up  and  under  arms,  standing  in  squads  in  front  of 
their  tents.  Then  came  the  hurried  command  of  the 
officers,  "Fall  in  Company  E,"  "Fall  in  Company  F," 
and  so  likewise  of  Companies  G  and  H. 

To  make  it  more  explicit  I  will  speak  of  Company 
F,  to  which  I  belonged.  Our  captain,  W.  B.  Akers, 
was  soon  at  the  head  of  his  company,  which  the  first 
sergeant  had  already  formed.  "Lay  down,  Company 
F,"  shouted  Captain  Akers.  "Don't  a  man  fire  until 


131  "THE   EIGHTH   tLLINOlS." 

I  tell  you."  He  stood  right  in  front  of  the  com- 
.pany  with  his  revolver  in  hand.  Presently  there  were 
sounds  of  "click,  click,  click."  It  was  some  of  the 
men  opening  their  rifle  chambers.  "Close  those 
chambers;  the  first  man  that  fires  I'll  shoot  him,"  con- 
tinued the  captain. 

In  front  of  us  and  in  the  rear  were  other  captains 
and  lieutenants  controlling  their  men.  Company  H 
was  immediately  in  front  of  us,  that  is,  the  back  of 
their  tents  faced  our  street.  All  at  once  there  was 
volley  after  volley  fired.  A  fusillade  of  bullets  went 
whizzing  through  the  air,  some  passing  close  by  our 
heads.  The  night  was  very  dark  and  the  light  from 
the  flashing  powder  made  a  vivid  scene  we  will  never 
forget. 

All  at  once  two  men  came  bursting  from  between 
Company  H's  tents,  crawling  on  their  hands  and 
knees  and  crouched  down  behind  the  tents  to  hide. 
They  were  so  scared  that  they  did  not  see  the  whole 
of  Company  F  lying  right  there.  Captain  Akers  hap- 
pened to  see  them  ducking.  He  yelled  at  them :  "Get 
up  from  there ;  where  are  you  going.  Get  back  into 
your  company."  This  scared  them  -worse  than  the 
shooting.  The  poor  fellows  just  kept  crawling  from 
one  tent  to  another,  trying  to  hide.  Captain  Akers 
went  up  to  them  and  told  them  if  they  didn't  get  up 
from  there  and  stop  running  he  would  shoot  them. 
It  was  as  much  as  we  could  do  to  keep  from  laugh- 
ing, as  critical  as  the  moments  were,  to  see  those 
fellows,  who,  after  having  come  nearly  three  thousand 
miles  to  fight  the  Spaniard  and  be  brave,  dodge  and 
run  at  the  first  prospect  of  a  fight. 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  ir,7 

Company  F  was  ordered  to  rise  and  make  a  left 
flank,  which  threw  us  out  into  a  field,  where  we  were 
told  to  lie  down  again.  Here  we  laid  for  as  much 
as  a  half  hour  in  the  mud  and  weeds.  After  every- 
thing was  all  quieted  down  we  were  ordered  back  to 
our  quarters. 

It  is  necessary  to  mention  that  when  we  first  made 
the  flank  and  were  turning  to  leave  our  company 
streets,  I  saw  a  soldier  lying  prone  upon  his  back 
on  the  ground.  A  sergeant  and  two  or  three  other 
men  were  bending  over  him.  Passing  by  I  could 
see  his  life's  blood  oozing  profusely  from  a  bullet 
wound.  I  could  not  tell  who  it  was  then,  but  on 
returning  to  our  quarters  it  proved  to  be  Private 
Fred.  Blakes  of  Company  F.  He  was  a  sentinel  on 
guard,  and  while  the  firing  was  going  on  was  shot 
through  the  right  thigh. 

The  cause  of  this  ill-fated  accident  was  that  there 
was  a  Cuban  passing  the  camp  and  he  did  not  know 
that  the  soldiers  were  there.  The  sentinel  heard  4;he 
coming  of  the  Cuban  on  an  ox-cart  and  peering 
through  the  darkness  (it  was  so  cloudy  there  was  not 
a  star  to  be  seen),  thought  that  the  Spaniards  were 
surely  coming.  So  he  yelled  out,"Halt!  who  comes 
there !"  He  being  excited,  fired  without  waiting  to  re- 
ceive any  reply  to  his  challenge,  killing  poor  ox.  Of 
course,  another  sentry,  hearing  the  shot,  fired  his  gun 
also.  Hence  the  incident  occurred. 

Private  Bert  Anderson  of  F  Company  was  told  that 
he  would  have  to  go  on  guard  that  night,  but  he  said 
to  the  lieutenant,  "Lieutenant,  I  don't  want  to  go 
on  guard  to-night ;  I  am  scared."  For  this  his  com- 


138  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

rades  teased  him  most  sorely.  Had  it  not  sounded 
so  funny  to  the  lieutenant,  Mr.  Anderson  would  have 
found  his  resting  place  in  the  guard  house  that  night. 

The  next  morning  (Saturday)  Private  Smith  of 
Company  B,  who  was  also  on  guard  that  night,  was 
found  near  his  post  with  a  bullet  hole  in  his  neck. 
He  had  lain  there  all  night  upon  the  wet  hillside  with 
no  one  near  to  aid. 

On- Sunday  afternoon,  August  2ist,  General  Law- 
ton  visited  the  camp  and  investigated  the  shooting 
affair.  After  ascertaining  the  nature  of  the  case,  he 
said :  "While  I  regret  the  mistake  that  was  made,  I 
have  been  led  to  believe  that  the  boys  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois  all  told  are  a  brave  and  plucky  set  of  fellows, 
and  woe  would  it  have  been  to  the  Spaniard  had  he 
been  there  instead  of  the  ox." 

Having  been  in  San  Luis  two  days,  Colonel  Mar-1 
shall  was  placed  in  command  of  the  military  post,  the 
territory  of  which  consisted  of  about  sixty  square 
miles,  while  Major  Jackson  of  the  second  battalion 
was  ordered  to  Palma  Soriano  de  Cuba  to  create  and 
command  Military  Post  No.  i  at  that  place. 

On  Tuesday  evening  Companies  E  and  F  were  or- 
dered to  be  up  at  four  o'clock  the  next  morning  and 
be  ready  to  make  a  march.  So  Wednesday  morn- 
ing, August  24th,  we  were  up  and  had  our  tents  made 
up  and  were  waiting  for  our  coffee  by  four  o'clock. 
After  drinking  our  coffee  and  eating  some  hardtack, 
everything  being  in  readiness  we  started  on  our  march 
for  Palma.  If  was  about  seven  o'clock.  We  all 
started  out  in  great  glee.  Major  Jackson  with  Cuban 
guides  headed  the  companies.  Following  in  his  wake 


SVXOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  139 

were  Captain  Akers  of  F  Company  and  Captain  Roots 
of  E. 

We  were  told  before  starting  that  it  was  from  eight 
to  twelve  miles,  and  it  being  our  first  real  test  of 
soldiering  we  entertained  the  hope  of  covering  the 
distance  by  noon  with  ease.  Our  officers  either  un- 
derrated the  distance  by  a  misunderstanding,  or  they 
merely  told  us  it  was  eight  or  twelve  miles  in  order  to 
avoid  daunting  our  courage.  However  that  may  have 
been,  when  our  journey  was  completed  it  was  sub- 
stantiated that  we  had  marched  some  twenty-three 
miles  instead  of  eight  or  twelve.  It  was  five  o'clock 
when  all  the  men  reached  Palma.  In  the  afternoon 
some  of  the  men  who  were  not  so  well  fell  out  along 
the  wayside.  Details  were  left  behind  to  accompany 
them  on.  The  sun  was  extremely  hot  that  day  and 
there  was  practically  no  shade  along  the  entire  route. 
We  had  to  ford  three  small  rivers,  which  we  waded 
right  through.  In  one  instance,  the  water  was  over 
our  knees,  but  we  plunged  right  through  with  shoes 
and  everything  on,  marching  on  through  the  sick- 
ening heat  until  our  clothes  were  dried  on  us.  About 
two  o'clock  the  rain  came  down  in  torrents,  but  that 
did  not  deter  our  gait  any.  Up  rugged,  rocky  hill- 
sides we  climbed,  through  marshy  fields  we  picked 
our  way,  but  we  kept  steadily  on,  hungry  and  fa- 
tigued. The  sons  of  Illinois  were  far,  far  away  from 
comfort  and  pleasure.  It  was  not  theirs  to  shirk  from 
duty.  They  had  accepted  the  call  and  had  to  bend 
to  the  inevitable.  We  had  nothing  to  eat  all  day 
except  sugar  cane  which  we  found  as  we  were  pass- 
ing onward.  This  the  doctors  protested  against  our 


140  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

eating,  on  account  of  the  germs  of  disease  that  lie 
hidden  in  its  juicy  stalk. 

Just  as  soon  as  the  men  reached  the  camp  they 
threw  off  their  burdens,  spread  down  their  ponchos 
and  blankets  and  fell  down  on  them  and  were  soon 
asleep.  So  tired  and  fatigued  were  many  of  them 
that  they  laid  and  slept  on  the  damp  ground,  right 
where  they  fell,  and  would  not  be  disturbed  until  the 
next  morn  at  reveille,  missing  their  mess  or  supper, 
notwithstanding  a  hard  day's  march  without  a  mouth- 
ful of  anything  to  eat. 

Our  officers  were  good  to  us  and  allowed  us  all  of 
the  next  day  to  rest  and  recuperate,  for  our  legs  were 
so  stiff  and  sore  that  we  could  hardly  walk.  In  the 
meantime  many  of  us  went  down  to  the  river,  taking 
a  good  plunge  in  the  hot  water  of  the  "canto."  The 
sun  was  so  very  hot  it  made  some  of  us  sick ;  but  to 
be  clean  was  a  necessity.  While  in  swimming  we 
had  to  keep  our  hats  on  to  shield  us  from  the  burn- 
ing rays  of  "Old  Sol/'  Before  going  into  the  water 
we  would  wash  out  our  underclothing  and  lay  them 
on  the  rocks  to  dry,  and  by  the  time  we'd  take  a 
bath  they  would  be  dry. 

Cuban  women  and  girls  would  come  to  the  river  to 
wash  their  clothes.  They  would  sit  down  on  a  big 
stone,  sometimes  within  a  few  yards  of  us,  with  a 
paddle  in  hand  and  some  soap  weed,  and  pound  away 
at  their  washing.  After  finishing  their  tasks  they 
would  drop  all  of  their  garments  off  except  one  thin 
gown  and  wash  them  out.  Then  they  would  plunge 
right  into  the  water  before  our  eyes.  Being  raised 
naked  from  infancy  up  to  ten  or  twelve  years  old, 


SYNOPSIS  OF  THE  TRIP  TO  CUBA.  141 

they  had  no  regard  for  nakedness  as  far  as  morality 
or  decency  was  concerned.  But  after  we  were  among 
them  a  few  weeks  they  grew  to  be  more  circumspect 
and  refined. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA. 

On  the  afternoon  of  the  i6th  of  August,  we  entered 
Santiago  Bay ;  on  the  right  of  the  entrance  stood  old 
Moro,  grim,  sullen,  and  dismantled,  her  natural  stone 
walls  having  been  perforated  by  the  solid  shot  from  the 
American  battleships.  On  the  left  of  the  entrance, 
high  and  solidified,  were  the  ruins  of  the  "Scopia"  Bat- 
tery, which  was  also  demolished  by  the  shot  and  shell 
of  Uncle  Sam's  squadron.  About  four  hundred  yards 
from  the  entrance,  in  about  eighty  or  ninety  feet  of 
water,  lay  the  flower  of  Cervera's  squadron,  the  Vis- 
caya,  which  had  attempted  to  escape,  but  the  accuracy 
and  determination  of  the  American  gunners,  who  had 
sent  solid  shot  after  her,  piercing  her  steelcrusted  hull 
more  than  once,  quickly  brought  her  to  an  untimely 
end.  The  Cristobol  Colon,  being  a  little  more  for- 
tunate, had  succeeded  in  getting  some  forty  miles 
down  the  Windward  Passage,  before  a  shell  from  the 
Oregon  sealed  her  fate.  The  Almeranto  Oquenda 
met  her  fate  also;  as  did  the  Viscaya.  We  could  see 
the  smoke  stacks  of  another  Spanish  cruiser,  which 
was  also  sunk  near  the  entrance  of  the  bay ;  she  did 
not  get  the  chance  to  get  out  of  the  bay,  before  she 
likewise  was  doomed.  This  was  the  Marie  Teresa. 
She  was  afterward  raised  by  the  Americans,  under  the 

142 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  143 

supervision  of  Lieutenant  Hobson,  of  Merrimac  fame. 
Farther  in  the  entrance  we  saw  the  United  States  trans- 
port and  collier,  Merrimac,  which  was  run  into  the  bay, 
blown  up,  and  abandoned,  by  R.  P.  Hobson  and  crew. 
The  half-sunken  hull  of  the  Reina  Mercedes  further 
up  the  bay,  on  the  right  was  situated  the  Estralia  Bat- 
tery ("the  star"),  on  top  of  the  stone  walls  of  the  fort- 
ress stood  some  United  States  soldiers,  waving  their 
handkerchiefs  and  flags,  and  yelling  at  the  coming  of 
the  Eighth  Illinois,  who  were  now  entering  the  famous 
Santiago  Bay,  and  the  commercial  mouth  of  South- 
western Cuba. 

SANTIAGO   BAY. 

Santiago  Bay  is  a  beautiful  sheet  of  water,  with 
(in  a  calm  state)  hardly  a  ripple  on  its  smooth  surface. 
It  is  enclosed  by  many  green  and  picturesque  hills  upon 
either  side.  Half  way  up  the  bay  is  a  beautiful  isle  of 
verdure  green,  dotted  here  and  there  with  little 
palmetto  shacks,  from  which  little  nifios  were  peeking 
at  the  passing  of  the  Eighth  Illinois.  A  small  typical 
Cuban  Rio  (river)  bends  its  winding  way  down  through 
tropical  foliage,  dale,  and  glen,  emptying  its  silvery 
waters  into  the  bay.  The  picture  seemed  as  if  a  deep 
basin  was  hewn  at  the  base  of  the  many  massive  hills, 
and  flooded  by  Nature's  own  handiwork.  The  en- 
trance, or  mouth  of  the  bay,  is  not  more  than  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  or  two  hundred  feet  wide.  To  the  east, 
by  north  of  the  Castle,  streaming  from  a  high  pole, 
waved  the  stars  and  the  stripes  of  Uncle  Sam,  unfurled 
to  the  ocean  breeze.  When  the  United  States  cruiser 
"The  Yale"  hove  in  sight  of  that  emblem  of  freedom 
and  libertv,  a  tumultuous  veil  rent  the  air.  It  was  the 


141  "THE   EIGHTH    ILLINOIS." 

boys  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  greeting  "Old  Glory"  as 
she  unfurled  serenely  and  meaningly  from  the  crag 
of  a  foreign,  rock-bound  shore.  It  is  estimated  as  be- 
ing six  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  bay  up  to  Santiago 
de  Cuba,  and  the  bay  proper,  as  I  should  judge,  is  not 
more  than  a  mile  or  a  mile  and  a  half  in  width  at  its 
widest  part.  All  along  on  either  side,  and  far  above 
one's  head,  while  on  the  steamer,  could  be  seen  on  the 
green  hillsides,  and  far  up  among  the  mountain  crags, 
the  little  Cuban  casas,  dotted  here  and  there  amid 
ferns,  banana  trees,  and  shrubbery. 

SANTIAGO   DE   CUBA. 

Santiago  is  one  of  the  oldest  and  second  largest  city 
on  the  island,  and  was  for  a  long  time  the  capital  city 
of  Cuba.  She  has  the  proud  distinction  of  possessing 
the  oldest  cathedral  on  the  American  continent — "Ste. 
Marie" — with  its  many  chime  bells,  reverberating  the 
solemn  tones  of  music  on  twilight's  vernal  breeze. 
The  streets  were  narrow,  dirty,  and  hilly.  Its  popula- 
tion (in  1895),  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  rebellion,  was 
put  down  at  56,000  inhabitants.  The  city  is  situated 
at  the  eastern  extremity  of  Santiago  Bay. 

When  we  arrived  there,  there  were  found  many  dead 
and  decayed  bodies,  lying  in  the  streets,  and  in  the 
Spanish  hospitals  there  were  found  men,  dead,  who 
had  lain  there  from  all  appearances  for  three  and  four 
days.  The  place  smelled  like  carrion ;  it  was  enough 
to  make  a  well  man  sick,  to  say  nothing  of  taking  sick 
men  there  to  recover.  The  gullies  and  ditches  through 
the  streets  were  filled  with  parts  of  human  bodies,  and 
dead  vegetation,  and  animals,  which  after  the  rain, 


WHAT  IV E  SAW  IN  CUBA.  145 

when  the  sun  came  out,  brought  forth  a  vapor,  a 
stench,  a  sickening  smell  or  odor  from  the  ground.  In 
these  odors  and  vapors  emanated  the  germs  of  malaria 
and  yellow  jack. 

We  are  proud  to  say  that  the  first  Protestant  church 
planted  in  Santiago,  and  possibly  on  the  island,  was  es- 
tablished by  a  colored  man,  in  the  personage  of  Rev. 
H.  C.  C.  Astwood,  Superintendent  of  Missions  of  the 
A.  M.  E.  church,  and  editor  of  the  "Defender"  of  Phil- 
adelphia, Pa.  The  Rev.  Astwood  boarded  the  Yale 
at  New  York  City,  when  we  did,  he  having  with  him 
a  special  commission  or  a  special  letter  to  the  author- 
ities of  Santiago,  from  the  President  and  War  Depart- 
ment. Mr.  Astwood  is  a  very  tall,  stout,  and  intelli- 
gent-looking gentleman,  and  has  had  long  and  careful 
experience  in  the  missionary  field.  He  speaks  Spanish 
or  the  Cuban  language  fluently,  and  being  genial, 
courteous  and  pleasant,  was  well  adapted  for  the  com- 
mission consigned  to  him.  His  early  career  began 
in  the  state  of  Louisiana.  He  was  a  Republican  at 
heart,  though  at  one  time  he  upheld  the  Democratic 
banner  through  one  campaign,  after  which  he  returned 
back  to  the  Grand  Old  Party.  He  was  also  a  consul 
to  the  Dominican  Republic,  and  whilst  at  Santo  Do- 
mingo established  an  A.  M.  E.  church  there. 

There  are  high  schools  and  academies  of  learning  in 
the  city,  military  hospitals,  military  prisons,  a  large 
provincial  bull  pen,  whose  arena  is  enclosed  by  an 
amphitheater ;  Spanish  and  Cuban  clubs  thrive  alike ; 
a  large  ice  plant  is  also  doing  good  business,  and  the 
many  electric  lights  in  various  calles  give  it  an  appear- 
ance of  a  typical  American  city.  Santiago  is  also  the 


146  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

headquarters  of  all  military  operations  in  Southwestern 

Cuba. 

SAN  JUAN  HILL. 

San  Juan  Hill  (St.  John  in  English)  is  situated 
about  two  miles  south  by  east  of  Santiago  City.  It 
has  a  commanding  view  of  Santiago,  Boniato,  and 
the  famous  little  town  of  El  Caney.  The  last  named 
little  village  was  one  that  was  taken  by  our  brave 
colored  boys  of  the  Twenty-fourth  Infantry,  it  was 
also  near  here  that  those  valiant  American  boys  cor- 
nered about  two  hundred  Spaniards  in  the  famous 
old  stone  blockhouse.  The  Spaniards  had  the  doors 
locked  and  barricaded,  but  the  Americans  shot  the 
locks  off  the  doors  and  took  it  by  storm,  killing  the 
Spaniards  therein  almost  to  a  man.  Around  the  base 
of  the  hill,  all  the  way  up  the  sides,  and  near  the 
crest,  was  a  network  of  barb-wire  fences.  These  and 
the  many  firing  trenches,  it  was  thought  by  the  Span- 
iards, would  make  the  top  of  the  hill  inaccessible  to  the 
Americans. 

On  the  summit  of  this  fortified  crest  was  planted  a 
large  field-piece  in  a  big  pit ;  this  in  turn  was  also  en- 
circled by  barb-wire  fences  and  rifle  pits.  These  prep- 
arations were  thought  to  be  adequate  to  any  American 
attack.  Scattered  around  everywhere  were  to  be  seen 
Spanish  bullets  and  shells.  The  fact  that  so  many 
cartridges  were  found  unexploded  gave  indubitable 
proof  that  the  well  fortified  Spaniard  must  have  left 
the  scene  of  action  in  hot  haste,  if  he  lived  to  get  away 
at  all.  Many  of  them  got  tangled  up  in  their  own 
barb-wire  fences,  while  there  was  positive  proof  of 
many  of  them  dying  in  their  own  trenches.  About 


WHAT  IV E  SAW  IN  CUBA.  147 

two  hundred  feet  from  the  gun  pit  was  an  eight-inch 
shell,  unexploded,  thrown  there  by  some  American  bat- 
tleship. It  must  have  traveled  at  least  six  or  seven 
miles  over  the  hilltops  and  across  the  bay  from  where 
our  fighting  monsters  were  lying,  out  in  the  Windward 
Passage.  We  did  not  see  any  evidence  of  whether 
any  Spanish  soldiers  tarried  there  very  long  to  see 
if  it  was  going  to  explode. 

WE  SLEPT  IN  A  SPANISH  GRAVEYARD. 

On  the  night  of  August  16,  having  arrived  at  San 
Juan  Hill,  about  nine  o'clock,  we  stopped  to  camp  for 
the  night.  Pitching  our  tents  in  the  darkness,  upon 
the  wet  hillside — fatigued  and  hungry — we  laid  down 
upon  the  damp  ground  to  sleep  and  to  rest.  After 
passing  the  night,  in  fear  and  fatigue,  for  many  of  the 
men  were  kept  awake  half  the  night,  fighting  mos- 
quitos,  lizards,  large  spiders,  little  snakes  and  fleas, 
we  were  up  before  the  sound  of  reveille.  All  through 
the  night  you  could  hear  a  soldier  yell,  then  he  would 
emerge  from  under  his  tent,  ejaculating,  half  in  fear 
and  half  in  rage,  swearing  vengeance  against  those 
strange,  curious  little  creatures,  or  pests,  as  they  would 
call  them. 

On  getting  up  the  next  morning  every  soldier  was 
looking  around  to  see  where  he  had  lain,  and  tried 
to  sleep,  when  to  their  wonderment  and  surprise,  they 
were  astonished  to  see  that  they  had  spent  the  night  in 
a  Spanish  graveyard.  Some  of  the  boys' eyes  really  did 
bulge  out  of  their  sockets,  while  they  stood  and  looked 
at  each  other,  in  silent  amazement.  Colonel  Marshall 
upon  rising  and  seeing  the  excitement  that  prevailed 


143 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 


among  his  men,  he  usually  being  an  officer  equal  to 
the  emergency,  and  generally  doing  the  right  thing  at 
the  right  time,  could  say  nothing  but  only  look  and 
smile.  He  immediately  set  about  obtaining  a  better 
and  a  more  desirable  location  for  his  command,  which 


he  accomplished  by  about  nine  o'clock.  In  the  mean- 
time, the  men  were  teasing  each  other  as  to  how  they 
slept.  In  many  instances  where  a  fellow  had  thought 
he  was  lucky  in  having  a  little  mound  for  a  pillow  to 
rest  his  head  on,  and  would  whisper  to  his  mate,  "Fve 
struck  a  bonanza,"  he  was  sorely  plagued  to  find  his 
bonanza  turned  out  to  be  a  Spanish  grave. 

Our  colonel  having  returned,  he  gave  the  different 


WllAl  //7;  SA\V  IN  CUBA.  149 

captains  orders  to  move  their  companies  immediately. 
By  noon  we  were  marching  again,  toward  the  limits 
of  Santiago.  The  tropical  sun  was  intensely  hot,  the 
men  were  tired  and  worried — after  having  come  a 
distance  of  nearly  three  thousand  miles,  and  then  pass- 
ing such  a  restless  night,  but  nevertheless,  onward 
we  marched,  down  through  a  narrow  lane-like  road,  in 
the  burning  heat,  our  first  experience  as  soldiers,  under 
a  glowing  tropical  sun.  "Route  step,"  came  the  com- 
mand of  our  captains,  "Route  step,"  and  onward  we 
trod,  until  the  command  "Halt"  was  given.  Then 
in  less  time  than  it  takes  to  tell  it,  there  was  a  little 
village  of  soldier  tents  nestled  along  the  road  that 
leads  from  Santiago  City  to  San  Juan  Hill. 

It  was  Wednesday  morning,  August  17,  and  our 
first  day  in  Cuba.  Eager  to  see  all  we  could,  the 
writer  accompanied  by  a  lieutenant,  a  sergeant,  a  sur- 
geon, and  another  corporal,  made  a  reconnoissance  of 
San  Juan  Hill,  the  battlefield,  the  trenches,  and  block 
houses.  When  we  reached  the  summit  of  this  famous 
hill,  what  a  ghastly  sight  was  there  to  confront  us. 
Scattered  around  and  about,  were  to  be  seen  parts  of 
the  remains  of  dead  Spaniards,  partially  buried,  and 
partially  exposed  to  view.  Ever  and  anon,  here  and 
there,  a  hand,  a  foot,  an  arm  or  a  leg,  would  be  ex- 
posed, or  a  skull  would  be  discovered  above  the  ground, 
where  the  Spaniards,  terror-stricken  by  the  undaunted 
courage  and  terrible  onslaught  of  our  brave  American 
boys ;  being  exhausted  and  half-starved,  had  retreated 
or  fled,  leaving  their  comrades  to  their  fate.  Some  of 
them  were  buried,  some  half-buried,  and  some  buried 
semi-conscious,  had  exhumed  themselves  before  the 


150  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

final  breath  had  left  their  bodies,  thus  leaving  them 
half-buried. 

In  many  cases  there  was  simply  a  trench  dug,  pos- 
sibly not  more  than  two  and  a  half  or  three  feet  deep, 
and  in  these  shallow  graves  there  would  be  two  bodies 
buried,  one  on  top  of  the  other,  and  merely  hid  from 
view  by  a  thin  layer  of  earth.  The  buzzards  being  very 
numerous  and  bold,  had  pounced  down  upon  these 
would-be  graves,  removed  the  earth  with  their  talons, 
and  gorged  their  gluttonous  greed,  and  then  it  being 
in  the  rainy  season,  the  waters  had  descended  in  tor- 
rents from  the  wind-chased  clouds,  and  completed 
the  work  of  exhuming  the  victims  of  a  Springfield  rifle 
ball  by  washing  the  dirt  off  and  down  the  hillside,  thus 
leaving  the  bodies  exposed. 

The  Province  of  Santiago  de  Cuba  is  literally  in- 
fested with  buzzards.  They  are  bold  and  rapacious  to 
a  fault.  They  will  be  soaring  over  your  head  by  the 
scores,  will  descend  to  the  ground,  alight  within  four 
or  five  feet  of  you  and  then  strut  off  defiantly,  with 
their  wings  half  plumed,  in  search  of  a  repast,  or  gar- 
bage, not  giving  attention  to  anyone. 

On  Thursday  morning  at  eleven  o'clock,  August  18, 
the  second  battalion  was  all  in  a  bustle,  making  prep- 
arations to  be  taken  up  to  San  Luis  where  the  first 
battalion  was  sent  a  day  previous.  We  packed  our 
tents,  loaded  on  our  equipments  and  were  soon  on  the 
tramp  again,  back  to  the  City  of  Santiago.  On  reach- 
ing the  central  part  of  the  town,  we  passed  by  the 
main  plaza,  in  which  the  boys  of  the  Third  United 
States  Regiment  (infantry)  were  quartered.  Upon 
seeing:  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteers  marching  through 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  15] 

the  calle,  the  yellow,  sun-tanned  soldiers,  in  their 
Kauka  suits,  raised  their  American  voices  in  greeting, 
but  the  boys  of  the  Eighth,  in  accordance  with  military 
training,  only  saw,  and  passed  on. 

Upon  arriving  at  the  wharf,  where  all  of  our  ammu- 
nition, rations,  etc.,  had  been  taken  off  the  tug  Laura, 
which  conveyed  them  from  the  Yale,  to  Santiago  we 
were  halted,  stacked  our  arms,  and  piled  up  our  effects 
and  rested  a  few  minutes.  After  awhile  we  set  about 
removing  our  luggage,  rations,  the  officers'  effects,  etc., 
from  the  docks  to  the  railroad  freight  station.  The 
sun  was  intensely  hot,  but  nevertheless  we  boys  worked 
like  Turks  to  get  ready  to  leave  that  night  at  ten 
o'clock,  which  we  eventually  accomplished. 

While  we  were  at  the  docks,  we  saw  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  nine  hundred  Spanish  soldiers,  who  were 
brought  from  the  mountains  preparatory  to  being 
shipped  back  to  Spain.  There  were  about  three  thou- 
sand to  be  shipped  that  day,  I  was  told  by  a  Spanish 
captain.  It  is  noteworthy  to  state,  that  this  officer  was 
a  black  man  and  could  speak  quite  a  bit  of  English. 
His  name  was  Alveras ;  he  was  born- at  Valencia, 
Spain,  and  as  I  should  judge,  was  about  fifty-five  years 
old.  He  said,  "I  have  always  regretted  that  I  have 
had  to  come  over  here  to  fight  against  these  poor 
Cubans,"  and  he  shrugged  up  his  shoulders,  and  re- 
marked, "What  I  do? — It  is  law  in  Spain." 

Those  Spanish  soldiers  that  we  saw,  were  the  most 
miserable  looking  specimens  of  humanity  that  anyone 
would  care  to  see.  Half-naked,  half-starved,  cowardly 
creatures  they  were,  little  bits  of  black  treacherous 
eyes,  sunken  way  back  in  their  heads,  peering  out  from 


152  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

under; sometimes  a  brimless,old,  dirty, weather-beaten 
straw  hat,  or  sombero ;  they  looked  more  like  having 
been  subdued  by  the  Cubans,  instead  of  poising  as 
Cuban  subduers.  They  were  lined  up  into  two  ranks 
and  as  soon  as  the  major  called  a  name,  the  soldier 
jumped,  and  answered,  "Sita,  Aqui,"  or  present,  here, 
and  any  hesitation  on  the  part  of  the  soldier  incurred 
the  anger  of  the  major,  who  would  strike  the  poor 
cowardly  fellow  in  the  face,  when  he  ran  up  the  gang 
plank.  It  has  often  been  said,  "how  glad  the  boys  of 
the  Eighth  were  to  get  home'/'  our  joy  wasn't  a  cir- 
cumstance; just  to  see  their  countenances  change  when 
their  tired,  and  shoeless  feet  would  strike  the  deck  of 
that  transport.  I  saw  only  one  Spanish  woman  in  the 
whole  lot,  and  she  was  a  sight ;  with  a  dirty,  black 
alpaca  skirt  on,  a  black  handkerchief  tied  over  her  head, 
jaws  all  sunken  in,  and  eyes  set  and  staring.  She  was 
a  picture  of  dejection  and  forlornness.  These  were  the 
typical  Spanish  soldiers  and  that  woman  was  a 
true  type  of  a  Spanish  soldier's  wife,  who  had 
followed  him  for  more  than  2,500  miles,  to  attend  to 
his  needs,  to  lull  his  pain  upon  a  battlefield  in  a  foreign 
clime. 

In  another  chapter  the  reader  will  rind  details  of 
cur  leaving  San  Juan  Hill,  or  the  "graveyard,"  as  it 
was  called  and  the  march  down  to  the  spot  nearer  the 
limits  of  the  city  of  Santiago.  Well,  we  had  scarcely 
had  our  tents  pitched  in  the  high  weeds,  and  shrubbery 
( for  it  was  nothing  but  bushes  and  rank  grasses  every- 
where, to  the  height  of  an  ordinary  man's  head,  which 
bespoke  of  desolation  and  desertion  of  tumble-down 
farms)  before  those  strange,  half-starved,  Cubans,  or 


o 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  155 

reconcentradoes,  were  all  through  our  camp.  There 
were  women  and  children  half  clad  and  hungry,  with 
pots  of  strong,  black  coffee,  paun  (or  little  loaves  of 
bread)  and  cakes  made  of  molasses  and  cocoanuts,  vend- 
ing to  the  strange,  yet  welcome  American  soldiers, 
after  marching  through  the  burning  hot  sun  and  having 
no  beer  to  drink  (which  many  of  the  boys  were  used 
to  in  America)  we  took  readily  to  the  hot,  black  coffee, 
in  preference  to  the  warm  tropical  water.  Then  we 
were  warned  by  our  doctors  and  officers  not  to  touch 
any  of  the  tropical,  fever-laden  fruits  nor  drink  too 
much  water,  until  we  became  somewhat  more  accli- 
mated to  the  tropics,  so  the  boys  drank  freely  of  the 
coffee,  and  the  women  and  children  did  a  flourishing 
business,  and  grasped  the  opportunity  of  selling  it  at 
the  rate  of  cinto-centavos  (or  five  cents)  a  cup,  which 
contained  not  more  than  two  good  swallows,  the  cups 
being  the  size  of  our  small  tea  cups. 

That  afternoon  at  six  o'clock,  we  had  our  first  re- 
treat on  the  Isle  of  Cuba.  The  regimental  band  played 
the  familiar  American  airs,  and  it  was  a  grand  scene 
to  witness  those  little  Cuban  boys  and  girls  trying  to 
dance  to  the  music.  Yes,  some  of  those  little  macha- 
chos  really  did  the  "Mobile  buck,"  the  "couchee- 
couchee"  dance,  and  the  "pasamala,"  in  true  imitation 
of  the  frolicsome  Americans.  It  was  delightful  to  them. 

REGIMENTS  COMPARED. 

There  were  three  regiments  of  colored  men  in  the 
Province  of  Santiago  de  Cuba,  namely  the  Twenty- 
third  Kansas,  the  Ninth  Immunes,  of  Louisiana,  Miss- 
issippi and  Texas,  they  were  also  called  the  Ninth 


156  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Louisiana,  because  the  major  part  were  from  Louis- 
iana, and  the  Eighth  Illinois.  The  Eighth  Illinois,  we 
are  proud  to  say,  outranked  them  all  by  many  points ; 
first,  because  it  was  an  entire  colored  regiment,  officers 
and  privates ;  second,  because  they  were  better  dis- 
ciplined than  the  other  two ;  third,  their  deportment 
was  better,  as  they  were  on  trial,  shaping  the  future 
destiny  of  the  colored  race.  Now  the  Twenty-third 
Kansas  was  all  right.  All  of  the  officers  were  colored. 


A  CUBAN-CASA. 


They  behaved  themselves  remarkably  well,  they  drilled 
fairly  well  and  their  sick  list  and  death  rate  was  very 
much  like  the  Eighth.  But  the  point  that  the  Eighth 
Illinois  gained  over  her  was  the  one  more  battalion. 
The  highest  officer  in  the  Twenty-third  was  lieutenant 
colonel,  for  there  were  only  two  battalions  of  about 
825  men,  while  the  Eighth  boasted  of  a  complete  col- 
ored regiment,  her  highest  officer  being  a  colonel,  and 
three  battalions  with  a  total  of  1,271  men  and  officers, 
or  nearly  1,300  all  told.  As  for  the  Ninth  Louisiana 
(Ninth  Immunes)  though  a  complete  regiment,  her 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  lf>7 

highest  officer  being  a  colonel,  the  fact  that  the  officers 
from  colonel  to  first  sergeant,  I  believe,  were  white  men, 
gave  the  Eighth  another  decided  point  over  her.  In 
giving  justice  to  all  I  will  say  that  the  members  of  tHe 
Ninth  Immunes  were  the  most  reckless  of  the  three 
regiments,  and  many  violations  of  good  order  and  con- 
duct of  theirs  were  laid  at  the  doors  of  the  Eighth. 
Especially  so  was  this  done  by  Major  General  Woods, 
who  never  had  much  love  for  the  Eighth  from  the  very 
outset.  But  notwithstanding  all  of  these  different 
falsities  and  malicious  accusations,  the  Eighth  stands 
out  boldly  and  defiantly  and  challenges  any  person  or 
persons  in  Cuba  or  America  (the  United  States') 
to  stand  up  with  any  regard  for  the  truth,  and  say  that 
the  conduct,  discipline,  and  good  behavior  of  the 
Eighth  Illinois,  from  the  time  they  were  mustered  in 
until  they  were  mustered  out,  was  anything  but  good, 
and  furthermore  these  statements  are  borne  out  by  the 
many  discharge  papers  that  the  men  received  that 
were  "honorable"  and  marked,  "his  conduct  excel- 
lent." 

We  will  never  forget  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, when  the  Twenty-third  Kansas  broke  camp  and 
left  San  Luis  for  Santiago  in  order  to  take  the  steamer 
for  home.  That  evening,  just  after  retreat,  Major 
Robt.  R.  Jackson,  before  dismissing  his  battalion,  said, 
"Now  men,  I  mean  the  members  of  my  command,  I 
want  to  say  something  I  deem  very  important  and  es- 
sential, you  all  know  that  all  depredations,  misde- 
meanors, etc.,  that  have  occurred  since  we  arrived  here 
on  this  island,  have  been  laid,  or  they  have  tried  to  lay 
them  at  the  doors  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment. 


158  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS.'9 

We  have  succeeded  in  many  cases  in  having  them 
traced  to  where  they  belong.  Now  the  Twenty-third 
Kansas  is  gone,  which  you  know,  and  anything  that's 
done,  it  will  surely  be  the  Eighth. 

"As  we  have  managed  to  keep  out  of  any  serious 
trouble,  for  my  sake,  as  well  as  for  your  own,  do  not 
go  down  in  town  at  night ;  commit  no  bad  deeds,  nor 
get  drunk  and  raise  disturbances,  for  we  are  right  on 
the  eve  of  leaving  Cuba  ourselves,  and  as  far  as  I  know 
at  present  the  Eighth  Illinois  will  be  on  her  way  to 
the  States  inside  of  a  month's  time  at  the  longest.  Now 
men,  from  now  on,  as  heretofore,  act  like  men,  and  take 
the  name  home  that  we  brought  away. 

"Now  if  any  of  you  men  do  anything  hereafter,  you 
will  most  undoubtedly  be  left  on  this  island  when  we 
leave,  and  all  offenses  after  this  will  be  tried  by  white 
officers.  They  won't  care  anything  about  you,  and 
you  know  what  you'll  get,  so  take  my  advice,  stay  in 
camp  at  nights,  don't  run  around  and  get  drunk.  That 
•'is  all.  Captains,  dismiss  your  companies." 

The  following  Sunday,  Second  Lieutenant  J.  W. 
Washington  of  Company  K,  Litchfield,  111.,  gave  each 
company  a  short  lecture.  Lieutenant  "Washington,  or 
the  "old  man,"  as  the  boys  used  to  call  him,  was  the 
provost  marshal,  and  a  grand,  good  man  was  he.  He 
was  disliked  by  none,  and  while  he  was  attentive  to 
duty,  assiduous  in  carrying  out  all  of  his  military  in- 
structions, he  had  a  great  desire  to  allow  the  men  not 
only  of  the  Eighth,  but  of  the  Twenty-third  Kansas, 
also,  all  the  privileges  that  the  regulations  governing 
his  position  would  permit.  For  the  sake  of  good  con- 
duct and  gentlemanly  behavior  it  was  tne  accustomed 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  159 

rule  to  allow  not  more  than  one  or  two  men  from  each 
company  to  go  to  town  at  a  time,  on  passes.  This  be- 
ing the  case,  quite  a  few  men  would  determine  to  slip 
the  guards  and  go  to  town,  especially  at  night.  In 
many  cases  some  men  would  "stand  in"  with  their  re- 
spective first  sergeants.  It  was  very  funny  in  detail, 
the  way  they  would  go  about  it.  When  the  man  in 
question,  wanted  to  get  off,  he  would  use  the  "con 
racket"  on  the  sergeant.  He  would  be  as  good  as  pie 
to  him,  previous  to  asking  him  not  to  report  him  at 
roll  call,  reveille  or  retreat.  Finding  the  sergeant  in 
good  humor,  or  a  pleasant  mood,  he  would  strike  him 
thusly : 

"Say,  Sarg.,  got  any  more  passes?"  He  knows  at 
the  time,  that  the  sergeant  has  none,  but  this  is  an 
opening. 

To  this  the  sergeant  will  most  invariably  answer, 
"No,  George,  captain  didn't  give  me  but  two  passes, 
one  of  them  was  for  John  Jones  and  the  other  was  for 
Bill  Taylor." 

"Hem !  well,  I'm  always  too  late  every  time.  I 
wanted  to  go  down  town.  Gee  whiz !  I'd  like  to  see  my 
senorita,  to-day,  I've  a  great  mind  to  slip  off  anyhow, 
sergeant." 

"Now,  say,  young  fellow,  if  you  run  into  the  old  man 
down  there,  don't  say  I  told  you  to  go." 

With  a  promise  that  he  will  wet  the  sergeant's  throat 
upon  his  return  the  sergeant  acquiesces. 

The  next  that  we  would  see  of  the  soldier,  he  wou/d 
be  off  down  in  the  town,  dodging  the  old  man  and  his 
provost  guards,  ducking  and  dodging  in  and  out  of 
this  place  and  that  place,  peeping  around  the  corners, 


160  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

then,  as  the  boys  used  to  say,  he  would  do  the  "rush 
act''  and  make  for  the  hill.  This  hill  lay  between  the 
camp  and  San  Luis.  If  the  soldier  could  manage  to 
make  the  hill  he  was  all  right.  The  soldiers  called  this 
the  ''Bunker  Hill."  If  the  boys  were  not  fortunate 
enough  to  gain  the  summit  of  Bunker's  Hill,  and  to  the 
contrary,  fell  into  the  clutches  of  the  old  man  and  his 
guards,  the  "jig  would  be  up"  with  them,  and  with 
the  sergeant's  rum.  Sometimes  the  men  would  be 
too  quick  for  the  scrutinizing  eye  of  the  old  man,  and 
over  into  the  high  weeds,  along  the  roadside,  the 
bottles  would  disappear. 

Very  often  quite  an  amusing  scene  occurred.  If  the 
prisoner  was  found  to  be  under  the  influence  of  liquor 
of  any  kind,  he  would  be  apt  to  catch  it  heavily,  and 
perhaps  he  would  have  to  put  in  a  few  days  on  the  road 
or  cleaning  the  streets,  etc.,  while  on  the  other  hand  if 
he  had  simply  overstaid  his  pass,  or  was  away  from 
camp  without  one  and  was  found  to  be  a  pretty  good 
soldier,  and  if  this  was  the  first  time  he  had  been 
caught  from  camp  without  a  pass,  and  if  he  was  sober 
and  orderly,  he  would  have  a  better  showing.  The 
old  man,  being  lenient,  in  a  case  of  this  kind,  he  would 
say,  "Young  man,  have  you  got  that  pass?"  "No 
sir,  so  and  so,  is  the  case  lieutenant."  "Well,  you  will 
have  to  beat  me  to  that  hill,  if  you  don't  you  will  sleep 
with  my  boys  to-night."  Then  it  would  be  a  case  of 
a  grand  "duck"  on  the  part  of  the  prisoner,  and  a  case 
of  hide  and  peep  on  the  part  of  the  lieutenant.  You'd 
better  not  let  him  catch  you  after  that,  either. 

It  was  Sunday  afternoon,  March  5,  1899.  The  sun 
was  creeping  toward  the  western  horizon.  The  last 


WHAT  IV E  SAW  IN  CUBA.  161 

sound  of  the  bugle  for  retreat  was  faintly  dying  away, 
when  a  tall,  earnest  looking  man  was  seen  making  long 
and  sturdy  strides  toward  the  front  of  a  company  of 
men,  who  were  standing  at  parade  rest,  it  was  the 
"old  man,"  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Washington,  Company  K 
and  marshal  of  the  provost  guard  in  San  Luis.  "Hold 
on  there  captains,  please,  I'd  just  like  to  speak  a  few 
words  to  the  boys  before  you  dismiss  them."  "At- 
tention, men."  "Company,  attention,"  came  the  com- 
mand of  several  captains  and  lieutenants.  The  men 
stood  motionless,  with  bated  breath.  "I  wonder  what 
the  old  man  is  going  to  say,"  queried  many.  "The 
Twenty-third  Kansas  has  just  gone.  I  wonder  if  our 
boat  is  at  Santiago?"  "I  'spec'  it  is,"  muttered  others. 
For  every  day  the  boys  were  expecting  to  be  told  to 
break  camp  to  come  home,  but  to  their  surprise  this 
was  not  the  case  as  yet,  but  the  purpose  of  his  words 
were  a  necessity. 

The  lieutenant  spoke  to  company  after  company, 
separately,  the  following  words:  "Men,  I  have  just 
been  let  into  a  little  secret,  and  I  came  all  the  way 
from  town  to  tell  you,  and  perhaps,  prevent  you  from 
falling  into  a  trap.  You  all  know  there  are  no  soldiers 
to  go  to  town  now,  except  the  men  of  the  Eighth. 
They  have  put  on  rural  police  down  there  now,  and 
they  are  trying  to  put  up  a  cat-hop,  on  some  of  you 
fellows.  Now  take  my  advice  and  stay  away  from 
those  dens  down  there,  and  don't  let  them  catch  you 
fooling  around  those  saloons  and  places.  Now  if  you 
go  there  and  get  caught,  they  will  try  to  give  you  the 
worst  of  it,  and,  besides,  you  will  be  taking  great 
chances  upon  your  health.  Now  I  hope  that  you  will 


162 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 


appreciate  the  warning  I  have  given  you  and  will  be 
governed  accordingly.  We,  your  officers,  have  tried 
hard  to  hold  on  to  your  honor  and  credit,  as  well  as  to 
that  of  our  own,  ever  since  we  have  been  on  the  Island. 
Now  please  don't  let  a  little  trick  like  that  throw  you 
down,  causing  you  to  lose  or  forfeit  the  name  and 
dignity  which  you  have  struggled  so  hard  to  achieve, 
and  which  you  have  undergone  and  endured  so  much 
to  retain."  The  most  undoubted  proof  that  the  sol- 
diers of  the  Eighth  appreciated  the  timely  counsel  of 


A   SPANISH   BLOCKHOUSE. 

Major  Jackson  and  Lieutenant  Washington,  was  mani- 
fested in  the  results  that  followed.  Every  soldier 
wanted  to  keep  out  of  trouble,  physically  and  morally. 
Everyone  wanted  to  come  home  with  his  regiment. 
Therefore  they  staid  in  the  camp  and  were  content,  un- 
til the  orders  came  to  break  camp,  and  return  home, 
Lieutenant  Washington  of  the  provost  guard  had 
quite  a  mishap  one  night  while  making  his  rounds.  It 
was  very  dark,  and  the  little  Cuban  mule  which  he 
rode  became  somewhat  stubborn,  and  in  the  bucking, 
jumping  and  spurring,  that  occurred,  the  lieutenant 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  1G3 

and  mule  went  headforemost  into  a  big  ditch  along 
the  side  of  the  road ;  the  officer,  being  thrown  over  the 
mule's  head,  found  the  bottom  first,  and  the  animal 
came  tumbling  after.  Between  the  brute  and  the 
ground,  Lieutenant  Washington  was  the  recipient  of 
a  genuine  squeezing,  which  laid  him  up  for  a  couple 
of  weeks. 

He  said  that  he  would  never  ride  another  mule 
while  in  Cuba,  so  he  bought  a  horse  and  kept  it  until 
we  were  making  preparations  for  leaving  San  Luis. 
He  then  sold  the  animal. 

There  seemed  to  be  no  lack  of  poetical  genius 
among  the  members  of  the  regiment,  and  it  never  ap- 
peared to  be  a  task  for  the  boys  to  make  a  verse  or  two 
of  song  on  anything  that  transpired. 

The  soldiers  used  to  sing  this  song,  when  the  lieu- 
tenant was  not  around : 

"Hello  there,  comrade."     "Hello,  son." 
"Hold  on — Let  me  tell  you  what  the  provost  done. 
We  were  slipping  into  town  one  by  one, 
Just  at  the  hour  of  the  setting  of  the  sun. 

"Lieutenant  Washington,  I  chanced  to  meet, 
As  I  was  making  for  main  street. 
'Hello  there,  comrade,  you  got  that  pass.' 
'No,  lieutenant,  say,  you've  got  me  at  last.' 

"He  pulled  out  his  whistle  and  he  did  blow. 
The  big  burly  sergeant,  he  came  you  know, 
And  exclaimed,  'Lieutenant,  are  those  men  all  right?' 
'No,  take  them  to  the  guard  house  and  book  them  for 
the  night. 


1(54  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

'To-morrow  morning,  just  about  nine, 
Hav  them  before  me  all  in  a  line. 
Now  comrades  as  this  is  your  first  time  around, 
You  are  excused,  now  get  out  of  town.' 

"  'Thank  you,  lieutenant,  your  favors  will  never  be 

forgotten.' " 

So  off  to  the  camp  the  men  would  soon  be  trotting. 
They  never  came  to  town  unless  they  were  right, 
For  the  provost  guard  were  always  in  sight. 

Lieutenant  Washington  on  his  mule, 

Head  in  the  air,  but  hard  to  fool. 

So  one  dark  night  the  mule  got  mad, 

And  wondered  how  he  could  make  himself  glad. 

He  stepped  into  a  ditch  with  a  Bailey  slide. 
"From  that  day  to.  this,"  Lieutenant  Washington  cried, 
"No  more  mule  in  mine." 

Now  every  soldier  knew  Lieutenant  Washington  well 

For  many  a  one  into  his  clutches  fell. 

But  there  are  no  more  soldiers  to  be  prisoned,  if  you 

please. 
In  that  little  town  in  Cuba,  the  name  San  Luis. 

The  lieutenant  avowed  to  get  him  "a  hoss," 
To  dispose  of  that  mule  he  would  at  any  cost. 
Not  receding  from  his  promise  he  made  the  exchange, 
And  he'd  more  than  apt  to  head  us  off,  ere  Bunker's 
Hill  was  gained. 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  165 

"Hello  there,  comrade."     "Hello,  son." 

"Hold  on !     Let  me  tell  you  what  the  provost  done. 

We  were  slipping  into  town  one  by  one, 

Just  at  the  hour  of  the  setting  of  the  sun." 

—The  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Soldiers. 

IMMUNES. 

In  speaking  of  Immunes  in  Cuba,  they  existed  in 
name  only.  This  fact  was  proven  by  the  experience 
of  the  Ninth  Louisiana  Regiment,  or  the  Ninth  Im- 
munes, as  they  were  termed.  They  were  a  properly 
selected  body  of  men,  many  of  whom  were  born  and 
reared  under  the  burning  rays  of  a  Southern  sun. 
These  soldiers  were  supposed  to  be  proof  against  the 
yellow  jack  and  malaria,  and  therefore  especially 
adapted  to  the  rigors  of  that  torrid  land,  Cuba.  Yet 
the  soldiers  of  the  Eighth,  the  men  from  the  Northern 
clime,  some  of  whom  were  born  as  far  north  as  Nova 
Scotia,  endured  the  raging  fevers,  the  rigors  of  tropi- 
cal Cuba,  better  than  the  Ninth  Immunes. 

The  Eighth  Illinois  reached  Cuba  with  1,195  men 
and  seventy-six  officers,  with  only  eight  men  sick. 
During  the  seven  months  on  the  island  the  Eighth,  a 
complete  regiment,  lost  eighteen  men,  of  which  four 
were  killed,  fourteen  dying  from  disease,  having 
lost  one  in  Springfield,  111.,  while  camped  there,  and 
having  left  one  in  New  York  City,  who  was  too  sick  to 
proceed  further,  and  he  also  died.  This  increases  the 
total  number  of  deaths  in  the  Eighth,  in  nine  months, 
to  twenty. 

The  Ninth  Immunes,  a  regiment  of  1,009  men  an<^ 
officers,  in  seven  months  lost  107  men,  and  at  one 


100  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

time  there  were  so  many  men  on  the  sick  report  that 
they  barely  averaged  fifteen  to  sixteen  men  to  the 
company,  who  were  fit  for  duty.  , 

Then  there  was  the  Twenty-third  Kansas,  two  bat- 
talions, 824  men  and  officers,  all  of  the  State  of  Kan- 
sas, who  in  nearly  seven  months  on  the  island  lost  ten 
men. 

This  comparison  makes  quite  a  favorable  showing 
for  the  boys  of  Illnois.  To  recapitulate : 

Eighth  Illinois  from  August  16  to  March  u  lost 
eighteen  men. 

Ninth  Louisiana  from  August  23  to  March  IT  lost 
107  men. 

Twenty-third  Kansas  from  August  25  to  February 
28  lost  ten  men. 

Out  of  1,271  men  the  Eighth  Illinois  lost  in  seven 
months  on  the  island  eighteen  men. 

Out  of  824  men,  the  Twenty-third  Kansas  lost  in 
six  months  and  three  days  on  the  island  ten  men. 

Out  of  1,009  men>  the  Ninth  Immunes,  Louisiana, 
lost  in  seven  months  on  the  island  107  men. 

The  men  of  the  Ninth  Immunes,  having  white  of- 
ficers, were  not  on  trial  as  were  the  men  of  the  Eighth, 
therefore  their  discipline  was  not  good.  Their  wearing 
apparel  was  not  to  be  compared  with  that  of  the  Eighth. 
The  responsibility  was  not  a-s  great.  Quite  frequently 
they  were  boisterous  when  they  went  to  town.  They 
were  more  reckless,  often  creating  disturbances,  and 
many  of  their  deeds  were  laid  at  the  door  of  the 
Eighth  Illinois.  Nevertheless  there  were  some  very 
intelligent,  refined  and  good  natured  men  among  them 

The   Twenty-third   Kansas,   we   will   admit,   was  a 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CL'BA.  107 

grade  or  so  better  than  the  Immunes.  Of  course,  they 
came  from  that  section  of  the  country  where  conditions, 
civil  and  social,  were  advanced  far  beyond  those  which 
predominated  in  any  of  the  four  states  from  which  the 
Immunes  were  recruited,  giving  them  a  practical  ad- 
vantage. Yet  quite  a  few  of  them  wore  ragged  uni- 
forms in  preference  to  being  neat  and  tidy.  They 
were  a  jovial  lot  of  good  natured  men  upon  the  whole, 
not  given  too  much  to  drunkenness  nor  carousal,  but 
being  neighborly  and  socially  inclined.  They  quite 
frequently  visited  the  boys  of  the  Eighth  at  night,  and 
on  Sundays,  very  often  coming  in  squads.  They 
took  a  delight  in  having  their  sweethearts  (Cuban 
stnoritas)  accompany  them  to  our  camp.  Each  sol- 
dier thought  his  sweetheart  (noavia)  was  the  prettiest, 
and  most  Americanized.  The  boys  of  the  Eighth 
often  returned  those  visits,  which  were  enlivened  with 
banjo  and  song. 

Their  drilling  was  not  of  the  highest  grade,  if  what 
men  of  high  rank  in  army  circles  say  concerning  their 
tactics  carries  any  weight. 

Especially  speaking  of  the  Ninth,  we  feel  justified 
in  saying  that  their  officers  did  not  hold  themselves  in 
the  self-esteem  which  their  position  and  rank  de- 
manded. It  was  found  that  they  were  frequestly 
fond  of  imbibing  in  common  with  the  men  in  the  ranks, 
also  they  were  given  too  freely  to  the  use  of  sarcastic 
and  profane  language  toward  their  men.  This  one 
particular  feature  was  not  tolerated  by  the  com- 
manders of  the  Eighth.  Quite  a  few  times  has  Colo- 
nel Marshall,  also  Major  Jackson,  reprimanded  the 
lieutenants  and  even  some  captains,  for  losing  their 


168  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

temper  and  speaking  harshly  to  the  men  at  drill,  say- 
ing nothing  of  swearing  oaths  at  them.  Caution, 
patience  and  gentlemanly  pleasantness  were  courted 
and  exercised  at  all  times.  The  same  traits  were  pre- 
dominant among  the  men  of  the  non-commission  rank 
and  also  among  the  privates.  Colonel  Marshall  and 
Major  Jackson  told  their  officers  that  they  did  not 
curse  and  swear  at  the  men  at  drill  and  would  not  allow 


CUBAN  WATER-BOY  Y  BURRO 


the  officers  to  do  so,  and  though  the  men  were  thou- 
sands of  miles,  some  of  them,  from  their  native  homes, 
they  were  not  dogs,  nor  would  they  be  allowed  to  be 
treated  as  such.  These  remarks  can  be  testified  to  by 
almost  every  private  in  the  regiment. 

Quite  frequently  information  had  reached  the  ears 
of  our  colonel  that  Lieutenant  Tobin  (white),  of  the 
Ninth  Immunes,  had  cursed  at  the  boys  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois,  and  that  when  he  came  in  contact  with  them 
would  order  them  under  arrest  on  the  slightest  provo- 
cation. On  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  February,  the 


II' HAT  \VE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  169 

morning  the  Twenty-third  broke  camp,  for  home, 
Colonel  Marshall,  by  request  of  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Beck,  of  the  Twenty-third  Kansas,  sent  over  a  detail 
of  men  under  a  lieutenant,  to  do  guard  duty,  and  to 
watch  their  effects,  while  moving,  there  being  so 
many  Cubans  around  to  pilfer.  The  colonel  was 
standing  talking  to  another  officer,  his  back  being 
turned  to  Lieutenant  Tobin,  who,  as  a  departmental 
quartermaster,  was  having  all  tents  and  other  material 
checked  up  and  turned  over.  A  soldier  belonging  to 
the  Eighth  llinois,  who  had  both  hands  occupied,  came 
along.  Upon  approaching  Lieutenant  Tobin  he 
bowed  his  head,  for  he  could  not  salute.  Whereupon 
Tobin  stopped  him,  saying,  "G — d —  you,  why  do  you 
not  salute  me,  sir?"  The  soldier  told  him  as  he  had 
both  of  his  hands  full,  he  did  not  deem  it  necessary  to 
stop  and  put  the  things  down  in  order  to  disengage  a 
hand  to  salute  with.  The  lieutenant  then  asked  him  to 
what  regiment  he  belonged.  The  man  answered,  "the 
Eighth  Illinois."  Whereupon  the  lieutenant  remarked, 
"I  have  a  good  notion  of  putting  you  under  arrest. 
You  fellows  of  the  Eighth  are  a  little  too  d — d  im- 
portant anyway." 

All  this  time  he'd  never  taken  notice  of  Colonel  Mar- 
shall, who  was  taking  it  all  in.  Colonel  Marshall 
turned  around  and  saluting  the  lieutenant,  said,  "Look 
here,  lieutenant,  I've  often  heard  of  your  actions  to- 
ward my  men,  but  never  have  had  any  positive  proof 
of  it.  Now  I  want  to  tell  you  right  here,  I  don't  curse 
my  men  myself,  and  I  won't  allow  any  other  officer 
to  do  so.  If  my  men  are  impolite,  or  offer  any  insult 
to  you,  as  an  officer  of  the  army,  you  are  at  liberty  to 


170  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

have  them  punished,  but  I  won't  allow  you  nor  any 
other  white  Southern  scoundrel  to  mistreat  my  men 
while  I  am  their  colonel.  If  this  occurs  again,  I  will 
order  you  under  arrest,  prefer  charges  against  you, 
and  have  you  court-martialed. 

[This  is  as  told  by  a  bystander.] 

In  comparing  the  regiments,  General  Ewers  (whose 
comment,  we  hope,  was  not  biased)  said, "The  quarters 
of  the  Eighth  Illinois  are  constantly  kept  cleaner  than 
any  regiment  in  Cuba,  barring  none.  Around  their 
kitchens,  the  guardhouse,  headquarters,  company  head- 
quarters and  company  streets  is  cleanliness,  and  they 
are  objects  of  beauty  and  comfort  and  home-like." 

In  front  of  many  tents  and  on  the  sides  were  flowers, 
plants,  odd  stones  brought  from  the  river,  and  shells 
of  many  varieties.  The  trees  that  were  planted  were  be- 
decked with  squawking  parrots  and  gutios  (huteos) 
or  mountain  rats.  Cigarette,  cigar  and  tobacco  tents 
were  to  be  seen  in  many  of  the  camp  streets. 

In  many  tents,  Cuban  senoras  and  muchachas,  were 
sitting  quietly  talking,  part  Cubana  and  part  Ameri- 
cano, to  their  soldier  neighbors  and  friends.  No  sol- 
dier dared  to  molest  or  insult  these  friendly  visitors. 

Sandwiches,  bananas,  oranges,  and  cocoanuts  were 
for  sale  by  some  soldier  or  another.  Some  would  be 
out  at  work,  on  details,  a  few  as  prisoners ;  some  were 
reading  books  or  papers ;  others  playing  a  social  game 
at  cards  or  checkers ;  a  number  could  be  found  \vriting 
to  their  sweethearts  or  friends  and  relatives  at  home, 
while  others  were  sleeping  over  the  previous  night  of 
standing  guard ;  some  were  taking  a  swim  in  the  Es- 
cania  river,  some  off  on  forty-eight  hour  passes,  some 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  171 

playing  horseshoes,  or  tossing  a  ball,  and  some  were 
singing;  while  others  were  in  the  hospital,  suffering 
with  intense  pain  and  fevers.  This  is  but  a  glimpse  of 
a  day  in  Camp  Marshall,  which  was  two  and  a  half 
miles  east  by  south  of  San  Luis. 

A  quarrel  or  a  fight  among  the  men  was  seldom 
heard  of.  Intelligence  and  manly  behavior  was  para- 
mount everywhere,  and  the  boys  of  the  Eighth  have 
never  been  able  to  figure  it  out  how  Gen.  L.  Wood 
could  have  been  quoted  as  saying,  "The  soldiers  of  the 
Eighth  were  made  up  of  the  scums  and  slums  of  Chi- 
cago, or  the  state  of  Illinois,"  except  through  preju- 
dice. 

Happily,  our  many  friends  in  Springfield  did  not 
treat  us  or  respect  us  as  slums  and  bums.  Those  kind 
and  hospitable  ladies  at  Chillicothe,  Greenfield  and 
Athens,  Ohio,  on  the  ninth  of  August,  1898,  did  not 
receive  the  same  appreciation  and  respect  and  grati- 
tude from  the  men  of  the  Eighth  when  they  were  on 
our  trains,  in  every  coach,  giving  us  sandwiches  and 
coffee,  as  they  would  have  received  from  slums  and 
bums.  The  people  of  old  Gotham,  who  commented 
upon  their  quiet  and  manly  appearance  as  they 
marched  silently  down  West  street  to  embark  on  the 
Yale  for  Santiago  de  Cuba,  did  not  refer  to  them  as 
slums  and  bums. 

Let  us  notice  this  fallacy.  They  were  the  scums  of 
Chicago  because  they  had  Negro  officers,  we  infer. 
Many  thanks  to  General  Wood. 

Their  officers  have  called  them  out  to  inspect  them 
unawares  many  times,  only  to  find  their  clothes,  arms 
and  other  accouterments  in  a  favorable  condition. 


17^  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

They  had  to  walk  a  distance  of  two  miles  and  a  half  to 
bathe,  but  neither  the  hot  sun  nor  the  distance  deterred 
them. 

Putting  on  his  best  starched  Khaka  suit,  a  clean 
standing  collar,  the  best  possible  shine  on  his  shoes, 
and  with  his  gun  as  clean  as  possible,  then  mount 
guard  and  be  chosen  for  orderly,  was  the  pride  of  a 
private's  heart — the  height  of  his  ambition.  It  was 
considered  a  great  honor  to  be  selected  orderly  out  of 
thirty-five  or  forty  men,  as  the  neatest  and  cleanest, 
and,  sometimes,  the  best  drilled  private  on  guard. 
Whenever  the  Sergeant-Major  would  make  such  selec- 
tions, some  soldier  of  the  company  to  which  the  orderly 
so  selected  belonged  would  run  and  meet  him,  the 
boys  of  his  company  would  gather  around  him,  shake 
his  hand  and  say,  "Well,  old  boy,  you  got  there,  did 
you?  Beat  'em  to  it,  didn't  you?"  They  would  take 
his  gun  back  to  his  company,  or  his  tent,  while  he 
would  wralk  away,  nonchalantly,  to  the  colonel's  head- 
quarters, there  to  don  the  white  gloves  for  the  next 
twenty-four  hours. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  boys  of  the  other  regiments 
were  allowed  to  mount  guard  in  their  shirt  sleeves — 
the  tougher  the  better.  Our  boys  were  not  allowed  to 
go  down  in  the  town  with  suspenders  over  their  blue 
shirts.  If  they  had  their  blouses  on  they  were  to  be 
buttoned  up  to  give  to  them  that  soldierly  appearance. 

In  comparing  the  colored  regiments,  the  Rev. 
H.  C.  C.  Astwood  of  Philadelphia  said :  "The  Ninth 
Louisiana,  colored  volunteers,  one  of  the  best  set  of 
men  in  Cuba,  have  been  rendered  useless  by  inefficient 
and  prejudicial  white  officers.  Two  men  dead,  six 


IV HAT  U'E  SAW  IN  CUBA.  173 

hundred  sick  and  nine  colored  officers  resigned.  The 
rest  are  longing  for  furloughs.  Colored  soldiers  with 
white  southern  officers  are  a  failure,  and  the  men. who 
endure  it  are  fools,  slaves  and  cowards.  Co'ored  troops 
should  be  officered  by  competent  colored  men  or  refuse 
service."  These  remarks  were  published  in  the  De- 
fender  (Philadelphia),  under  date  of  September  24, 1898. 

Let  us  notice  the  comparison :  In  the  Eighth  Illi- 
nois, in  seven  months  on  the  island,  one  officer  re- 
signed (H.  W.  Hawkins,  First  Lieutenant  of  Company 
Ej.  Cause,  a  little  difference  between  another  officer 
and  himself.  The  Twenty-third  Kansas,  one  officer  off 
on  a  furlough,  Major  Ford,  Second  Battalion.  The 
regiment  being  ordered  home,  there  was  no  need  of  his 
returning  to  the  island.  This  regiment  was  on  the 
island  five  months  and  three  days,  officers  colored. 
The  Ninth  Louisiana  (colonels,  majors  and  captains 
white),  before  they  were  on  the  island  two  months,  had 
nine  commissioned  officers  resign.  Cause,  brutal 
treatment — prejudicial  and  domineering — from  their 
superior  and  selfish  southern  white  officers. 

In  closing  this  chapter  I  will  add,  not  from  a  preju- 
dicial standpoint,  but  from  actual  daily  observations, 
that,  in  the  southern  white  officer's  eye  the  man  who 
did  the  most  grinning  was  the  best  newsmonger  and 
could  dance  the  best  or  make  the  best  monkeyshines, 
was  the  best  Negro  soldier.  I  do  not  say  that  this  char- 
acterized the  entire  regiment,  and  have  only  made  this 
public  that  the  reader  may  draw  his  own  inference.  In 
closing  this  chapter  we  advocate  giving  the  colored 
soldier  a  colored  leadership.  Let  him  be  competent 
and  that  will  suffice. 


174  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

PALMA  SORIANO   DE  CUBA. 

Palma  Soriano  was  an  old  Spanish  town,  and  in 
1895  consisted  of  a  population  of  six  thousand  persons, 
thriving  and  living  peacefully  and  happy,  whose  pros- 
perity extended  even  far  into  the  mountains  that  en- 
circled the  town,  to  the  green  and  fertile  coffee  and  to- 
bacco plantations,  the  banana,  the  lemon  and  the 
orange  groves,  which  annually  brought  in  a  steady 
rcvenue,  and  a  flow  of  wealth.  A  period  of  three  years 
of  war  and  devastation  diverted  the  thrift  and  liveli- 
hood of  this  Spanish  town  into  the  most  abject  stages 
of  desolation,  destitution  and  ruin.  The  once  verdant 
fields  and  fertile  plantations  were  but  wastes  of  land,  of 
high  grass,  rank  weeds  and  shrubbery. 

On  top  of  the  mountains  that  encircled  the  town 
were  blockhouses — the  watchtowers  of  the  cruel  Don. 
Concentration,  butchery  and  the  torch — hatred  and 
death  to  the  innocent  non-combatant  Cuban — were  the 
chief  methods  of  his  warfare.  War  upon  the  innocent 
and  helpless  was  the  bane  of  his  heart  and  his  cow- 
ardly ambition.  Heaps  of  ashes  and  charred  remains 
were  visible  to  the  observer's  eye,  all  of  which  bespoke 
Spanish  treachery. 

Palma  Soriano  is  about  fifty-eight  miles  from 
Santiago  by  the  old  route,  but  the  Eighth  Illinois  cut 
a  road  which  makes  it  about  twenty-five  miles,  by  not 
touching  San  Luis.  It  is  situated  on  the  north  bank 
of  the  Canto  River,  near  a  high  bluff  that  rises  perpen- 
dicular up  from  the  river  bed  for  at  least  two  hundml 
feet.  Anyone  standing  on  top  of  this  bluff,  his  vision 
carries  him  far  away  to  the  distant  uncultivated  fields 
that  are  hemmed  in  by  lofty  mountains.  The  two 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  175 

loftiest  and  most  important  peaks  in  these  ranges  are 
the  Mount  Fiol,  which  is  said  by  the  Cubans  to  be 
twenty  miles  northeast  of  Palma,  and  the  Mount 
Cerquela,  on  the  south,  and  forty  miles  away,  but  looks 
to  be  much  closer.  I  am  told  by  old  residents  in  Palma 
that  Cerquela  is  the  loftiest  or  one  of  the  highest 
mountain  peaks  on  the  island.  But  this  is  not  authen- 
tic, for  the  Cubans,  as  a  general  rule,  are  not  well  in- 
formed concerning  the  natural  conditions  of  the  island, 
as  regards  the  mountains,  rivers,  lakes,  boundaries, 
etc.  The  Cuban  does  not  care  to  interest  himself  about 
anything  except  that  which  he  comes  daily  in  contact 
with. 

On  arriving  at  Palma  the  first  sight  that  met  the 
soldier's  eye  was  the  hungry  and  fearful  glance  of 
the  poor  Cuban.  Everywhere  were  naked  and  half- 
starved  Cuban  children,  or  muchachos ;  women  who 
at  one  time  could  be  called  beautiful,  through  be- 
reavement, pangs  of  hunger  and  destitution,  were 
rendered  desolate,  hideous  and  objects  of  pity  and 
sympathy.  Of  men  or  boys  of  any  size  there  was  a 
scarcity.  They  were  either  in  the  ranks  of  war,  in 
the  mountains,  in  hiding,  or  possibly  dead,  the  ma- 
chete or  hunger  having  performed  its  mission.  In 
many  of  the  calles  an  hombre  (man)  could  be  found 
in  about  every  third  or  fourth  casa  (house),  and  with 
a  cigar  or  a  cigarette  between  his  thin,  pinched  lips 
He  would  scrutinize  you  most  thoroughly,  having 
but  little  to  say. 

The  narrow  and  hilly  streets  were  full  of  boulders 
and  cobblestones.  In  the  houses  of  the  town  could 
not  be  found  one  window  pane.  There  was  not  a 


170  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

chimney  from  whence  came  blue  curls  of  smoke  like 
unto  our  American  villages.  There  was  not  a  sound 
of  a  bell  or  a  whistle  to  break  the  quietness  of  that 
mountain  town,  nor  the  rattling  of  a  wagon  or  a 
vehicle  of  any  kind  to  be  heard.  There  was  not  a 
church  or  a  school  building  in  the  town.  There  was 
nothing  to  break  the  calm  of  nature  except  the  occa- 
sional barking  of  a  dog  or  the  braying  of  the  burro. 
Everything  was  desolate  and  lonely ;  quiet  reigned 
supreme.  This  was  a  "desolate  eve."  Now  and  then 
you  could  see  a  bareheaded,  shoeless  Cuban  woman 
gliding  along  with  a  water  jar  on  her  head  or  a 
large  wooden  bowl  of  clothes  and  a  paddle,  wend- 
ing her  way  to  the  river.  There  was  not  a  washboard 
or  a  tub  to  be  seen  in  the  town.  The  women  would 
go  to  the  rio  (river)  and  sit  haunched  by  some  large 
flat  rock,  and  with  the  soap  weed  and  a  paddle  for 
hours  pound  out  their  clothes  (do  their  washing). 

The  Spanish  soldier,  on  being  forced  to  evacuate 
the  town,  poisoned  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants 
against  the  American  "soldow"  (soldier).  They  told 
them  that  we  would  be  more  cruel  to  them  than  the 
Spaniard ;  that  we  would  rob  and  steal  and  take 
everything  they  had  away  (which  was  very  little,  as 
we  could  see,  after  the  Spaniard  had  got  through). 
We  could  not  find  anything  to  eat  and  we  didn't 
see  anything  that  we  could  take  away  or  rob  them 
of  unless  it  was  a  donkey  or  a  flea-eaten  dog,  as  a 
mascot,  and  we  were  mascots  enough  ourselves. 
Under  these  misguided  representations,  whenever  a 
soldier  or  a  squad  of  soldiers  put  in  an  appearance 
upon  the  streets,  they  would  run  into  their  little 


12 


o^  ^ 

?  :"T 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  179 

shacks  and  hide  or  peek  out.  These  conditions  lasted 
only  a  few  days,  when  we  forced  ourselves  right  into 
their  homes,  sat  down  and  convinced  them  by  con- 
duct and  treatment  they  had  never  received  before 
that  we  were  their  benefactors,  not  cutthroats  and 
robbers,  not  butchers,  like  the  cruel,  treacherous 
Spaniard. 

Our  rations  were  loaded  on  ox-carts  and  a  pack  train 
carried  the  equipments,  tents,  etc.  It  took  the  oxen 
nearly  two  days  to  climb  the  hills,  to  pull  through 
the  marshes  and  the  little  rivers  that  we  had  left  behind 
us.  The  boys  were  hungry  when  they  saw  their  five 
days'  rations  the  next  day  coming  over  the  hill  on 
the  screeching  old  ox  cart.  That  was  one  time  we 
were  grateful  to  see  an  old  Cuban,  with  his  long  pole 
having  a  spike  in  the  end,  prodding  the  ox  into  a  faster 
gait.  Many  of  the  boys  were  almost  starved,  but  our 
officers  did  what  they  could  for  our  comfort. 

OUR  CAMP  QUARTERS. 

Our  camp  quarters  were  two  long  gable-end  sheds 
open  at  the  sides  and  ends,  and  covered  with  the 
leaves  of  the  palm  tree.  They  were  previously  used 
as  a  shelter  for  pack  mules.  Chameleons,  tree  frogs 
and  night  bugs  infested  them  and  the  ground  beneath 
was  literally  covered  with  fleas  of  the  most  voracious 
variety.  The  fleas  had  a  feast  that  night.  They  never 
failed  to  take  a  mouthful  of  fresh  soldier  meat  when- 
ever or  wherever  the  opportunity  presented  itself. 
Of  course  the  first  night  the  boys  were  so  tired  and 
sleepy  that  they  did  not  mind  them  in  the  least,  but 
with  a  night's  sleep,  a  day's  rest  and  an  early  morn- 


180  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

ing's  mess  they  were  brought  back  quite  to  their  nor- 
mal feelings.  But  the  second  night ;  all  the  scratch- 
ing and  muttering  that  one  would  expect  to  hear  was 
experienced  in  the  quarters  of  both  companies,  E  and 
F,  but  the  poor  fellows  took  it  good-naturedly.  Every 
time  one  would  scratch,  someone  near  him  would  yell 
out,  "Say,  pard,  spot  a  ball ;  you've  scratched,"  while 
the  poor  victim  of  the  flea  torture  would  simply  reply, 
"Boys,  this  is  hard,  but  it's  fair.  I  guess ;  for  this  is 
Cuba."  For  three  or  four  nights  we  had  to  sleep 
on  the  ground.  Then  the  government  supplied  us 
with  hammocks.  This  made  things  a  trifle  more  com- 
fortable, but  every  morning  when  we  got  up  to  shake 
our  blankets  and  police  our  quarters,  our  hammocks 
would  be  covered  with  great  big  pulgahs  (fleas). 
Some  of  them  would  be  so  full  that  they  could  not 
hop,  where  they  had  been  eating  on  us  all  night.  Some 
of  the  boys,,  who  had  less  endurance,  would  cuss  some 
few  lines  and  take  a  paddle  and  crack  down  on  a 
score  or  two  of  fleas  as  if  striking  at  an  ox.  Then 
one,  turning  to  his  companions,  would  say,  "Boys, 
do  you  think  we  will  have  to  stand  this  for  two  years?" 
The  reply  he'd  get  would  most  invariably  be,  "You 
said  you'd  do  it.  You  told  Major  Ballou  in  Spring- 
field that  you  would  come  and  fight  these  fleas.  Now 
let  them  eat." 

Then  Uncle  Sam  would  catch  it.  The  soldier  would 
cuss  Cuba,  he'd  cuss  the  army,  and  he'd  cuss  and 
kill  the  flea.  In  the  meantime  many  others  of  the 
boys  would  be  laughing  at  him  and  scratching  away. 

By  the  end  of  the  week  the  soldiers  were  beginning 
to  settle  down  to  regular  garrison  duty  and  to  work. 


\ 

WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  181 

Details  were  gotten  out,  sentry  posts  had  been  created 
and  the  boys  began  to  mingle  among  the  Cubans  and 
Spaniards,  many  of  whom  lived  there.  In  fact,  Palma 
was  an  old  Spanish  town,  anyway.  All  the  stores 
there  were  owned  by  Spaniards.  They  did  not  for- 
get to  charge  us  for  everything  we  bought,  what  little 
they  had  to  sell.  They  did  not  have  a  great  deal  to 
offer  after  the  Suanish  soldiers  got  their  share,  for 
they  really  cleaned  out  the  town  as  far  as  eating  was 
concerned.  For  instance,  chickens  you  could  not  buy. 
Hens  were  from  seventy-five  cents  to  one  dollar 
apiece.  Lard  was  forty  cents  to  fifty  cents  per  pound. 
When  you  got  it,  butter  (montaquilla)  was  from  sev- 
enty cents  to  eighty-five  cents  per  pound.  Eggs  were 
twelve  cents  a  piece.  Just  think.  Eggs  $1.44  per 
dozen,  and  we  had  to  beg  for  them  then  sometimes. 
When  we  left  there  eggs  were  forty  cents  to  sixty 
cents  per  dozen.  The  most  plentiful  and  cheapest 
articles  they  had  to  sell  were  cigars  and  honey.  Of 
cigars  you'd  get  twenty-four  for  thirty  cents,  and 
good  smokers  at  that.  As  for  honey,  we  had  our 
quarters  lined  with  it.  Well,  I  never  ate  so  much 
honey  in  all  my  life.  Then  there  were  mangoes, 
cocoanuts,  sopotus,  or  bread  fruit  (boniatos),  sugar 
cane,  oranges  and  bananas,  and  with  these  fruits  the 
boys  made  themselves  contented  until  Cubanized. 

INCIDENTS  AND   HAPPENINGS. 

The  first  soldier  the  regiment  lost  was  Private  Wal- 
lace Johnson  of  B  company,  at  Springfield,  111.  Then 
we  left  one  soldier,  Private  James  Baker,  in  New  York 
on  our  way  to  Cuba.  The  first  soldier  on  the  island 


182  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

to  die  was  Private  L.  Machaux  of  Company  C.  He 
died  September  15,  1898,  of  typhoid  pneumonia. 

On  Tuesday,  September  2Oth,  General  Calixto  Gar- 
cia with  his  son  and  staff  came  into  Palma.  I  met 
him  at  the  headquarters  in  Calle  Real.  While  talk- 
ing with  him  he  told  me  that  he  was  very  much  im- 
pressed with  the  Eighth  Illinois  and  thought  them  to 
be  a  very  sturdy  and  refined  set  of  men,  and  a  good 
representation  of  the  American  soldiery. 

On  September  23d  the  army  paymaster  was  in 
Palma  and  we  received  our  first  pay  in  Cuba. 

The  25th  of  September  General  Ewers  came  to 
Palma  and  made  an  inspection  of  the  garrison.  He 
was  very  much  surprised  as  well  as  pleased,  and  he 
told  us  that  "the  men  and  quarters  were  in  an  excel- 
lent condition."  He  was  glad  to  see  everything  so  neat 
and  clean. 

On  the  26th  of  September,  in  the  afternoon,  there 
were  some  Cuban  women  seen  running  and  yelling 
through  Calle  Rio  (River  street).  Everybody  was  run- 
ning to  the  door  to  see  what  was  the  trouble.  I  heard 
a  pig  squeal.  I  could  not  see  where  it  was  at  first. 
I  was  walking  along  behind  Private  George  Herring 
of  Company  E,  who  had  just  come  off  guard,  with 
his  gun  under  his  arm.  All  at  once  a  tall,  black 
Cuban  woman  ran  up  to  George  and  they  had  some 
heated  words,  when  I  saw  him  drop  a  little  pig  from 
under  his  poncho.  George  slept  in  the  guard  house 
that  night. 

This  day  was  eventful  in  Palma.  That  night,  while 
on  duty  as  officer  of  the  day,  Captain  W.  B.  Akers 
of  Company  F  raided  a  crap  game.  He  only  caught 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  183 

twenty-two  men.  He  ordered  them  under  arrest. 
Among  the  number  were  twelve  corporals  and  ser- 
geants. 

October  6th  Trumpeter  Meekins  of  Company  B  died 
at  San  Luis. 

The  first  large  four-wheel  wagons  that  were  ever  in 
Palma  were  the  United  States  government  wagons 
for  Companies  E  and  F.  .They  arrived  on  October 
8,  1898,  and  were  driven  by  Quartermaster-Sergeant 
Julius  Johnson  of  E  Company.  The  little  muchachos 
ran  along  behind  these  wagons  as  if  they  were  a  large 
show  coming  to  town. 

William  Coston  of  Company  E  struck  his  superior 
officer  in  rage  and  was  sent  to  Santiago  to  be  court 
martialed.  He  was  convicted  of  that  and  some  other 
charges  and  was  dishonorably  discharged  from  the 
United  States  Army,  forfeiting  all  pay,  and  was  given 
a  three  years'  sentence  in  the  military  prison  at  San- 
tiago. Shortly  afterward  he  was  released  from  prison 
through  a  mistake  of  orders.  He  had  a  good  chance 
to  come  to  America,  but  instead  staid  in  Santiago  and 
went  to  work  driving  a  wagon.  The  mistake  was  dis- 
covered and  he  was  re-arrested  and  taken  back  to  serve 
out  his  sentence. 

On  October  nth  Quartermaster-Sergeant  Peyton 
W.  Randolph  was  reduced  to  the  ranks. 

On  the  morning  of  October  9th  the  commissary  at 
Palma  Soriano  was  opened.  First  Lieutenant  Hill  of 
Company  F  was  appointed  post  quartermaster.  Ed- 
ward Barnett,  private,  and  Corporal  Emery  Snowden, 
both  of  Company  F,  were  his  assistants. 

Wednesday,  October  2ist,  Corporal  W.  T.  Goode 


184  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

of  Company  F  was  placed  second  in  charge  of  the 
commissary  with  the  rank  of  sergeant,  Private  Bar- 
nett  having  been  created  a  corporal  and  sent  to  the 
commissary  at  San  Luis,  and  Corporal  Snowden  pro- 
moted to  company  quartermaster. 

AT  THE  COMMISSARY  AT  PALMA. 

The  commissary  was  run  by  the  lieutenant,  a  cor- 
poral and  six  privates.  Three  privates  were  taken 
from  Company  E  and  three  from  Company  F.  It  was 
chiefly  supported  by  the  government,  assisted  by  the 
Red  Cross  Society  in  the  States.  At  two  different 
times  the  government  issued  ten  thousand  rations  to 
the  starved  Cubans.  We  used  to  feed  from  four  hun- 
dred to  six  hundred  and  seven  hundred  hungry  and 
half  starved  Cubans  every  day  except  Sunday.  They 
would  come  out  of  the  mountains  a  distance  of  six 
to  eight  miles  to  get  their  little  rations.  They  would 
be  at  the  commissary  long  before  we  were  up  and  we 
were  up  at  six  prompt.  They  would  sit  around  on 
the  ground  until  eight  o'clock,  when  we  would  begin 
to  feed  them.  Anything  they  could  get  they  would 
bring  it  along  to  give  to  the  boys  of  the  commissary, 
oranges,  bananas,  cocoanuts,boniatos  or  cigars  and  bou- 
quets, as  if  they  wished  to  show  their  gratitude.  These 
poor  creatures,  half  starved  and  thinly  clad,  hardly 
having  enough  on  to  hide  their  nakedness,  would  stand 
bareheaded  and  barefooted  in  the  burning  hot  sun  for 
hours,  awaiting  what  little  we  might  have  to  give 
them.  If  we  had  given  them  what  we  thought  they 
needed  our  stock  would  have  soon  been  gone  and 
they  would  not  be  much  better  off  for  the  next  few 


LIEUT.  CLINTON  L.  HILL, 
Post  Commissary  Quartermaster,   Palma,   Soriano  do  Cuba. 


- 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  187 

days,  so  we  would  give  them  all  alike,  just  so  much, 
while  a  poor  mother  would  stand  and  beg  us  for  more, 
telling  us  that  she  had  six  children  in  the  mountains 
starving,  her  husband,  her  son  or  a  brother  being  dead, 
having  met  their  fate  by  a  Spanish  machete,  struggling 
for  Cuba  Libre.  These  scenes  were  pathetic ;  many 
of  us,  having  children  in  far-away  America,  would 
feel  for  them ;  but  what  were  we  to  do  ?  We  could 
only  give  them  what  we  had.  The  recognized  head 
of  each  family  would  go  to  the  alcalde  and  get  a  boleta 
or  ticket  which  would  read  like  this : 

"Senora  Francisca  Alveries.  Five  days  racion. 
For  familad  6  cinto  (for  family  of  five)."  Date. 

After  obtaining  their  tickets  they  would  be  formed 
in  line  and  served.  There  were  two  barrels  of  old 
hats  and  clothes  sent  to  us  by  the  Red  Cross  Society 
which  we  gave  to  the  little  ones. 

On  the  2Oth  of  October,  early  in  the  morning  (about 
three  o'clock),  Private  John  Jones  of  Company  E  was 
on  guard  on  Post  No.  4  in  Calle  Real.  The  quietness 
of  the  night  made  it  very  lonesome  for  him,  I  sup- 
pose, and  he  was  sitting  "meditating"  like  a  Pullman 
car  porter  does  sometimes.  A  pack  of  mules  was 
coming  down  Calle  Real.  Their  hoofs  striking  against 
the  boulders  in  the  street  made  so  much  noise  that 
they  awoke  Mr.  Jones.  Springing  to  his  feet  he  seized 
his  gun,  and,  thinking  the  mules  were  Spaniards,  he 
yelled  out,  "Halt!  who  comes  there?''  Not  getting 
any  answer  from  the  mules,  he  blazed  away.  The 
mules  halted.  It  must  have  taken  a  very  good  marks- 
man to  hit  anything  such  a  dark  night  as  that  was. 
However,  about  six  o'clock  the  next  morning  I  saw 


188  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS" 

a  crowd  of  Cubans  standing  in  Calle  Real  gesturing 
and  all  talking  at  once.  Going  up  to  see  what  was 
the  matter  I  edged  my  way  through  the  crowd  and 
saw  lying  on  the  ground  a  dead  animal.  It  was  "Mr. 
Jones'  mule." 

Lieutenant  Rauls  of  Company  E  was  officer  of  the 
day  on  the  night  of  October  2oth.  He,  remembering 
Captain  Akers'  famous  raid  on  the  26th  of  Septem- 
ber, bethought  himself  to  add  another  feather  in  his 
cap.  Every  officer  tried  to  show  the  best  report.  So  on 
this  particular  night  he,  with  the  sergeant  of  the  guard, 
made  a  raid  upon  a  casa  in  Calle  Real.  Men  and  bones 
went  in  every  direction.  Raul's  raid  was  unsuccess- 
ful. On  this  lucky  night  Sergeant  Augustus  R — s 
of  Company  F  pulled  out  with  one  hundred  dollars. 
We  all  know  what  sergeant  was  so  sick  on  the  Yale. 
Corporal  G.  W.  W — cl  lost  one  hundred  and  forty 
bucks  and  then  was  taken  to  the  hospital  sick.  Many 
of  the  boys  know  who  this  was.  Corporal  William 
T — r  also  was  in  luck  that  night,  having  sixty-five  dol- 
lars' to  his  credit.  Then  there  was  Private  G.  W. 
B — m — the  \vasher-man.  The  boys  say  that  He  got 
away  with  three  hundred  dollars  that  night.  The 
next  day  he  was  seen  going  to  the  river  with  a  bundle 
of  clothes  on  his  head  as  if  he  didn't  have  a  cent  of 
money.  There  was  a  hot  time  in  Palma  that  night. 

The  night  of  the  26th  of  October  will  be  remem- 
bered by  all  the  boys  in  Palma.  This  was  the  night 
that  Black  and  W'amie  Gash  made  their  debut  in 
Palma  as  inn  keepers.  At  nine  o'clock  they  arrived 
with  four  Bonita  senoras  prar  la  Santiago.  Adios 
E  and  F. 


LIEUT.    JAMES    M.    RAULS, 
Post  Adjutant,  Palma,  Soriano  de  Cuba. 


o 

f. 

3 


c/- 

cc. 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  191 

There  was  a  very  grave  incident  transpired  on  the 
3d  of  September  in  the  nature  of  acid  poisoning. 
There  were  twenty-eight  men  of  Company  F  that  were 
poisoned,  some  seriously,  by  eating  canned  corned 
beef.  Those  who  were  most  ill  were  taken  to  the  hos- 
pital. All  recovered  in  a  few  days.- 

On  the  ist  of  September  an  old  Spanish  spy  was 
captured  and  taken  before  the  post  commander,  but 
was.  released. 

The  signal  corps  began  putting  up  line  wire  between 
San  Luis  and  Palma  on  September  8th. 

On  the  26th  of  October  Private  Ed.  Porter  of  Com- 
pany E,  becoming  demented,  left  his  quarters  and 
strolled  away.  Corporal  Johnson  of  Company  E  was 
detached  with  seven  men  to  scout  in  the  mountains 
for  him,  but  after  being  out  for  two  days  they  came 
back  to  the  post  without  him.  After  a  few  days  of 
roaming  at  will  Porter  returned  to  the  camp  hospital 
sick.  He  told  his  captain  that  he  had  been  out  in 
the  mountains  looking  for  Spaniards.  If  he  had  acci- 
dentally run  across  any  Spaniards  out  there  and  they 
had  got  the  bead  on  him  it  would  have  been  the  end 
of  him,  I  dare  say.  Whether  there  would  have  been 
any  Porter  or  ale  (ill)  left  or  not  the  reader  can  judge. 
A  daring  fellow  he.  But  then  Mr.  Porter  was  a  min- 
ister (that's  what  he  called  himself)  and  that  accounts 
for  his  safety  against  such  things  as  would  prove 
calamitous  to  other  men  with  less  faith.  He  has  quite 
frequently  thought  out  a  sermon  to  deliver  to  his  com- 
pany on  a  Sunday,  but  somehow  or  another  the  first 
sergeant  or  lieutenant  would  always  manage  to 
have  those  golden  opportunities  cut  out  and  the 


192  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

reverend  never  got  an  opportunity  to  deliver  that  ser- 
mon. 

CUBA. 

In  area  Cuba  is  about  equal  in  size  to  the  state  of 
Alabama.  It  is  long  and  narrow,  being  about  775 
miles  in  length.  Its  width  measures  from  21  miles 
to  160  miles.  With  regard  Cuban  insurrection — mili- 
tary— the  island  was  divided  by  the  famous  Mariel- 
Moron  trocha,  a  device  of  butcher  Weyler.  This 
trocha  consisted  of  a  big  ditch  hemmed  in  on  either 
side  by  continuous  lines  of  barbed  wire  fences.  In 
many  cases  in  this  gulch  would  be  placed  plats  of 
barbed  wire  and  other  obstructional  debris.  At  in- 
tervals along  the  ditch  were  Spanish  block  houses  over- 
looking the  country  in  all  directions  for  various  dis- 
tances. This  trocha  extended  from  coast  to  coast,  hav- 
ing Mariel,  on  the  northeast  coast,  as  one  terminal, 
and  Moron,  on  the  southern  border,  the  other,  a  dis- 
tance of  twenty-one  miles. 

Antonio  Maceo  crossed  this  line  at  will  and  Weyler 
was  often  aggravated  by  the  fact  that  even  this  bar- 
rier was  no  detriment  to  the  invincible  Cuban  general, 
who  crossed  and  recrossed  it  while  passing  to  and 
fro  in  the  provinces  of  Habana  and  Pinar  del  Rio, 
sometimes  destroying  the  blockhouses. 

Although  the  island  was  settled  as  much  as  half  a 
century  before  the  United  States,  it  still  contains  about 
fourteen  million  acres  of  forest  lands.  These  forests 
contain  some  very  valuable  timber,  such  as  mahogany, 
redwood,  cedar,  rosewood,  lignum  vitae,  siaguan  and 
ebony.  The  many  bays  that  indent  its  coast  swarm 
abundantly  with  many  kinds  of  fish,  including  bass. 


*3  o 

£.  O 
3  g 


f 


s   O 


& 

£.5 


WHAT  WE  SAW  IN  CUBA.  105 

pickerel,  pike,  snapper,  bullheads  and  others.  In 
many  of  the  small  streams  or  rivers  can  be  found  mem- 
bers of  the  crocodile  family  and  the  alligator. 

The  island  of  Cuba  consists  of  six  provinces  or 
states.  Their  respective  populations  previous  to  the 
war  were  estimated  as  .follows : 

Habana  Province  450,929 

Santa  Clara  Province  354,122 

Santiago  de  Cuba  Province 272,319 

Matanzas  Province   259>57° 

Pinar  del  Rio  Province 225,891 

Puerto  Principe  Province    67,789 

The  city  of  Havana,  the  capital  and  oldest  city  on 
the  island,  was  founded  about  1519.  It  is  also  about 
the  oldest  city  on  the  continent.  It  was  founded  by 
Europeans  and  has  a  population  of  nearly  300,000. 

Santiago  de  Cuba,  the  second  city  in  size,  has  a  pop- 
ulation of  about  60,000  (estimated).  Being  situated 
at  the  head  of  the  bay  of  the  same  name,  it  is  termed 
the  commercial  mouth  of  Southwestern  Cuba. 

Matanzas,  the  capital  of  Matanzas  Province,  and 
situated  on  Matanzas  Bay,  on  the  north  coast  of  Cuba, 
is  sixty  miles  east  of  Havana  and  has  a  population 
of  nearly  50,000. 

Cienfuegos,  which  in  1895  had  a  population  of 
24,000,  is  situated  on  a  peninsula  in  the  Bay  of 
lagua,  on  the  south  coast  of  Cuba. 

Cardinas,  with  its  23,000  inhabitants,  and  Sagua  La 
Granda,  with  her  20,000  souls,  are  important  cities  on 
the  coast  of  Cuba. 

Manzanillo,  Santa  Clara,  Guantanamo  and  Nuevitas 
come  in  for  their  share  of  importance,  Jucaro,  Las 


196  "THK   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Pedras,  Ciegode  Villa,  Marie!  and  Maron  are  of  Wey- 
ler  and  trocha  fame. 

The    Cubans   are    an   intelligent,    treacherous    and 
non-enterprising  set  of  people,  yet  in  many  instances 
they  are  obliging  to  a  fault.     If  one  likes  you  he  will 
go  to  almost  any  extreme  to  accommodate  you. 
THE  CLIMATE  OF  CUBA. 

The  climate  of  Cuba  is  very  warm  the  year  around. 
The  hottest  weather  is  experienced  from  October  to 
February,  which  is  the  dry  season,  and  is  known  as 
their  summer.  Cuba  has  but  two  seasons,  rainy  and 
dry,  such  as  other  tropical  countries  have.  The  tropic 
of  Capricorn  being  but  a  short  distance  from  the  ex- 
treme northeast  boundary,  brings  the  island  within 
the  torrid  zone. 

NATIVES  OF  CUBA. 

The  natives  of  the  island  are  not  homogeneous,  but 
are  of  mixed  races,  which  vary  greatly  in  the  extremes, 
as  follows:  Firstly,  there  is  the  mixture  of  the  Span- 
iard and  the  Indian ;  secondly,  the  Spaniard  and  the 
Buccaneers;  thirdly,  the  Spaniard  and  the  negro; 
fourthly,  the  Negro  and  the  Indian ;  fifth  and  last,  a 
mixture  of  Spaniard  with  the  entire  amalgam,  which 
renders  the  amaranth  from  the  darkest  shade  to  the 
whitest  hue. 

There  are  many  eccentricities  among  these  classes 
of  people,  but  they  are  obliging  and  good-natured 
when  not  disturbed,  while  on  the  contrary,  if  opposed, 
treachery  and  deceit  are  their  proclivities.  Like  the 
North  American  negro  in  general,  there  is  more  due 
them  than  they  have  received  or  have  been  given  credit 
for. 


CHAPTER    VII. 
INCIDENTS   OF  THE   CAMPAIGN. 

Upon  its  arrival  at  San  Luis  de  Cuba,  on  the  i8th 
of  August,  1898,  there  were  five  thousand  Spanish 
prisoners  turned  over  to  the  First  Battalion  of  the 
Eighth,  which  was  commanded  by  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Johnson.  The  prisoners  were  disarmed  and  taken  to 
Santiago,  where  they  were  put  on  transports,  to  be 
shipped  to  Cadiz,  Spain. 

Mausers,  machetes,  belts,  sabers,  cartridge  cases  and 
boxes,  saddles,  bundles  and  all  the  equipments  of  an 
army,  including  several  thousand  rounds  of  ammuni- 
tion of  different  kinds,  were  turned  over  to  Lieutenant 
James  A.  Nelson,  regimental  quartermaster  of  the 
Eighth. 

There  was  an  arsenal  at  San  Luis,  which  contained 
rifles,  munitions,  ammunition  and  all  kinds  of  equip- 
ments of  war,  all  of  which  was  taken  in  charge  by 
Quartermaster  Nelson,  by  order  of  the  brigadier-gen- 
eral, and  guards  were  placed  around  the  arsenal.  The 
prisoners  were  sent  to  Santiago  by  trainlcads  as  fast 
as  possible.  After  all  the  prisoners  were  disposed  of 
trainloads  of  arms  and  accouterments  were  taken  from 
the  arsenal  and  sent  to  Santiago  for  safe  keeping.  For 
weeks  after  we  arrived  in  Cuba  we  saw  Cuban  soldiers 
passing  through  the  town  every  day.  We  would  meet 

197 


198  THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

them  in  the  lanelike  roads,  with  guns  of  some  descrip- 
tion -strapped  across  their  shoulders  and  machetes 
fastened  at  their  sides,  on  their  way  to  Santiago  to  be 
disarmed. 

The  day  that  Companies  E  and  F  marched  from  San 
Luis  to  Palma  I  sat  down  under  a  mango  tree  to  rest. 
The  sun  was  intensely  hot  and  walking  all  day  with- 
out anything  to  eat  or  drink  was  a  hardship.  I  knew 
that  a  sergeant  was  behind  with  several  soldiers  who 
were  too  sick  to  keep  up,  so  I  thought  I  would  wait 
until  they  caught  up  again.  Being  fatigued  and  hun- 
gry, I  was  soon  asleep  under  the  first  shade  tree  that  I 
had  seen  all  day.  I  was  lying  by  a  pathlike  road  that 
meandered  its  way  through  a  torrid  tropical  jungle. 
Several  squads  of  our  boys  passed  by,  but  I  was  un- 
noticed. On  awaking  I  found  myself  alone  in  a 
strange  country,  with  not  a  human  soul  near.  How 
far  I  was  from  our  soldiers  I  did  not  know.  I  started 
on  the  way  I  thought  they  had  gone,  guessing  my  way 
as  I  went.  After  walking  about  two  miles,  I  came  to 
a  little  river.  I  saw  human  footprints  and  tracks  of  the 
pack  mules  that  had  preceded  me.  I  waded  the  stream 
and  on  coming  out  on  the  opposite  side  I  was  at  a 
loss  as  to  which  way  to  go.  After  climbing  the  hill  an 
extensive  plateau  confronted  me.  It  was  covered  with 
tall  grass  and  weeds,  higher  than  a  man's  head.  There 
were  three  paths  into  this  jungle  and  the  grass  was  so 
tall  that  it  formed  an  arch  over  them.  There  I  stood 
and  pondered  as  to  which  of  the  dark-arched  roads  I 
should  take.  The  ground  was  hard  and  there  were  no 
footprints  to  guide  me.  It  was  not  long  before  the 
thought  came  to  me  that  I  was  alone,  and  that  I  would 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN.  199 

gain  nothing  by  standing  there,  so,  bending  low,  I 
entered  an  arch  that  seemed  to  be  the  freshest  of  the 
three.  After  feeling  my  way  for  several  hundred  feet 
(for  in  some  places  the  grass  shut  off  the  sunlight  al- 
most entirely)  I  came  out  into  an  opening — a  large 
field  with  a  road  running  through  it.  After  reaching 
the  road  I  was  perplexed  which  way  to  go.  While 
looking  first  one  way  and  then  another,  I  saw  seven 
men  coming  toward  me.  I  did  not  know  whether  they 
were  Spaniards  or  Cubans.  At  once  fear  came  over 
me.  I  said  to  myself:  "If  those  men  are  Spaniards, 
treacherous  and  cruel,  they  may  chop  me  to  pieces 
with  their  machetes  and  there  will  be  no  comrade  near 
to  tell  how  I  died,  and  I  will  forever  be  branded  as  a 
deserter."  But  they  were  friendly  Cubans,  going  to 
Santiago  to  turn  in  their  arms.  I  asked  them,  as  best 
I  could,  where  was  Palma,  and  they  pointed  out  the 
way  and  said,  "Mucho  Americano  soldou  over  there." 
How  happy  I  was.  I  ran,  I  walked  fast,  and  in  the 
meantime  I  thanked  Heaven  for  my  luck.  I  was  a 
mile  or  more  from  the  road  the  soldiers  had  taken. 

After  going  about  a  half  a  mile  I  overtook  Sergeant 
Brown  of  Company  F,  who  was  sick,  and  with  two 
others  was  sitting  on  the  wayside  resting.  I  was  glad 
to  see  them,  and  told  them  my  adventure.  They  asked 
me:  "Didn't  you  come  by  the  old  bridge,  where  that 
blockhouse  w(as  burned  down  ?"  I  told  them  that  I  did 
not  see  any  bridge.  Corporal  Louis  Pearman,  who 
was  then  a  private,  had  a  pack  mule  in  charge.  He 
took  my  gun  and  strapped  it  to  the  mule. 

After  we  had  gone  about  three  miles  we  came  to  a 
little  town  called  Concepcion.  We  were  hungry  and 


200  "THE  EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

tried  to  buy  something  to  eat,  but  E  company,  which 
was  ahead  of  us,  had  cleaned  the  town  out  as  far  as  eat- 
ing was  concerned.  We  could  not  get  a  piece  of  bread 
or  a  cup  of  coffee.  All  that  we  had  to  eat  that  day  was 
sugar  cane.  After  leaving  Concepcion  we  met  our 
colonel  on  horseback,  and  he  said:  "Boys,  you 
haven't  got  but  a  mile  and  a  half  to  go/'  And  on 
down  the  road  he  galloped.  What  we  did  on  arriving 
at  Palma  is  mentioned  in  a  preceding  chapter. 

The  tallest  man  in  the  regiment  was  J.  L.  Crims  of 
Metropolis,  who  belonged  to  Company  C.  One  day 
he  received  a  pass  to  Santiago.  When  his  pass  was 
out  he  missed  the  train  which  left  Santiago  at  4  p.  m., 
but  being  left  did  not  daunt  him,  although  there  were 
no  more  trains  to  leave  Santiago  that  night.  Before 
guardmount  the  following  morning  Crims  was  in 
camp,  thirty-five  miles  away,  to  the  surprise  of  every- 
body. For  this  deed  of  endurance  his  captain  had  him 
excused  from  duty  for  ten  days.  It  was  a  long,  dark 
and  lonely  walk. 

On  the  night  of  the  2^th  of  October  there  were  two 
Americano-Cubano  nuptial  knots  tied  in  Palma.  It 
was  the  town  talk  among  the  entire  Cuban  element. 
Corporals  Charles  Lindsay  and  Arthur  Thompson, 
both  of  Company  F,  were  married  to  two  senoritas. 
The  affair  was  very  strange  in  its  features  to  the 
Cubans.  Nothing  like  it  had  ever  occurred  in  that  part 
of  the  island.  The  whole  affair  was  most  unique.  The 
strange  habits,  customs  and  languages  of  the  two  dif- 
ferent and  distinct  nationalities  combined  to  make  a 
peculiar  ceremony.  Companies  E  and  F  were  out  en 
masse.  The  alcalde  of  Palma  and  Captain  Akers  of 


I. \CIDENTS  Ol'  THE  CAMPAIGN.  231 

Company  F  were  the  two  principal  officiating  figures. 
They  were  assisted  by  Captain  Cuevas,  the  Cuban  in- 
terpreter. The  important  parts  carried  out  by  the  cap- 
tain and  the  alcade  were  giving  their  sanction  to  the 
marriage,  and  signing  the  papers  in  connection  with 
the  ceremony.  In  unusual  cases  like  this  the  soldier 
had  to  have  the  consent  from  his  captain  and  post 
commander  in  order  to  draw  marriage  rations,  and  to 
obtain  the  privilege  of  sleeping  out  of  camp.  The 
city  authorities  especially  demanded  the  command- 
ant's consent  to  the  marriage  of  said  soldier  before 
they  would  issue  the  marriage  certificate. 

Captain  Cuervas,  the  Cuban  interpreter,  read  the 
papers  that  were  to  be  filled  out  to  the  Cuban  bride  in 
Spanish,  then  in  English  to  the  soldier  groom,  in 
which  they  would  respond  to  the  question  in  Spanis.h 
and  English  respectively.  The  two  grooms  were 
dressed  in  soldier  blue,  while  the  Cuban  brides  were 
attired  in  pure  white  gowns  with  natural  Cuban  floral 
wreaths,  crowning  the  long  black  hair  that  hung 
loosely  around  their  shoulders.  After  the  ceremony 
was  over,  wine,  cakes,  sandwiches  and  cigars  were 
served.  This  was  the  best  menu  obtainable.  The 
lunch  was  served  by  the  comrades  of  the  soldier 
grooms,  after  which  the  two  strange  elements  mingled 
together,  each  one  endeavoring  to  make  the  other 
"comprenda." 

On  the  night  of  the  2Qth  of  October  the  four  Cuban 
women  of  Black-Wana  Gash  fame  left  Palma  on  foot 
for  San  Luis,  a  distance  of  eighteen  miles.  Cuban 
women  think  as  little  of  getting  out  and  walking  eight 
or  ten  miles  as  our  city  folks  would  of  walking  the 


202  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

same  number  of  squares.  They  are  natural-born  walk- 
ers, as  well  as  swimmers.  On  the  3rd  of  November 
seven  more  women  arrived  at  Palma  from  Santiago,  to 
visit  the  boys.  On  the  2d  of  November  Private  Ed- 
ward Portor,  who  left  the  camp  demented  on  October 
26,  and  was  thought  a  deserter,  returned,  hungry  and 
sick.  He  was  sent  to  the  hospital,  as  his  Spanish  hunt- 
ing had  proved  to  be  a  somewhat  rough  experience. 

November  the  4th  Major  R.  R.  Jackson,  who  was 
post  commander  at  Palma,  was  ordered  back  to  the 
regiment,  which  was  at  San  Luis.  Captain  R.  R.  Roots 
of  Company  E  succeeded  him  as  post  commandant. 

On  Saturday  afternoon,  November  12,  there  was  a 
rumor  afloat  that  some  Cubans  in  the  mountains  were 
collecting  and  banding  together  for  the  purpose  of 
making  an  attack  upon  the  soldiers  in  Palma.  There 
was  considerable  excitement  engendered  among  the 
soldiers,  and  each  one  was  contemplating  how  many 
Cubans  he  would  put  out  of  the  way  should  any  hostile 
demonstration  arise,  after  they  had  been  treated  so  well 
by  the  Americans.  That  night  Captain  Roots,  post 
commander,  ordered  every  soldier  out  of  town  except 
the  guards,  with  orders  to  remain  in  their  quarters,  to 
avoid  a  possible  mix-up.  Then  he  wisely  had  provost 
guards  out  all  night  patroling  the  narrow,  dark  streets. 
Consequently  he  avoided  what  might  have  possibly 
been  an  outbreak  or  a  disturbance. 

On  the  Monday  morning  following  there  was  a 
group  of  our  boys  standing  on  Calle  Real  talking. 
Captain  Cuervas  came  up  and  engaged  in  the  con- 
versation. One  of  the  group  mentioned  to  him  how 
ungrateful  the  Cubans  were  after  the  hospitality  shown 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN.  203 

them  by  the  soldiers,  whereupon  the  Captain  replied: 
"There's  many  complaints  coming  from  my  people 
of  the  way  some  of  your  men  treat  them  and  they 
are  tired  of  being  so  mistreated  by  some  of  the 
soldiers.  Now  the  Cuban  general  has  given  orders 
to  them  to  go  armed  with  machetes,  to  use  them 
and  to  chop  off  the  first  soldier's  head  that  insults 
them."  We  told  the  Captain  that  the  Cubans  were 
not  being  mistreated  by  the  soldiers,  but  on  the  con- 
trary they  were  protected ;  they  were  fed  and  cared  for 
and  that  they  were  treated  with  all  the  respect  that 
they  were  capable  of  receiving.  'But  that  any  time 
a  Cuban  cut,  or  attempted  to  cut,  a  soldier  with  his 
machete  he  would  be  shot  down  on  the  spot.  We 
soldiers  had  come  three  thousand  miles  to  a  strange, 
hot  country  and  suffered  hunger,  thirst,  pain  and  de- 
privation for  these  Cubans,  and  if  they  didn't  know 
what  it  meant  to  be  grateful  they  would  be  taught  it 
quickly. 

The  next  morning  (Tuesday)  Captain  Roots  sum- 
moned the  Cuban  captain  to  headquarters  for  an  ex- 
planation of  the  statement  he  had  made,  much  of  which 
the  Captain  retracted,  adding  that  "the  boys  must 
have  misunderstood  my  remarks." 

That  evening  at  retreat  Captain  Roots  told  the  boys 
that  he  did  not  want  any  trouble  with  these  people, 
nor  would  he  uphold  them  (the  soldiers)  in  the  wrong, 
warning  them  to  behave  themselves  and  not  to  bother 
the  Cubans.  He  said :  "Stay  away  from  them  except 
on  business.  Then  if  they  start  anything  I  am  with 
you." 

In  the  afternoon  of  Saturday,  Novem'ber  I2th,  Com- 


204  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

panics  E  and  F  had  an  interesting  game  of  ball  in 
the  plaza.  This  was  the  first  game  of  ball  the  Cubans 
had  ever  seen  and  the  little  boys  immediately  started 
in  to  learn  the  game.  In  this  game  it  was  hard  to 
tell  when  a  man  was  put  out.  It  depended  a  great 
deal  upon  the  size  of  the  man  said  to  be  put  out 
whether  he  was  out  or  not.  The  size  generally  shaped 
the  argument.  The  game  was  waxing  strong  when 
drill  call  was  sounded,  and  the  boys  answering  the 
call  it  was  not  long  before  they  had  formed  a  skirmish 
line  by  squads  on  the  ground  previously  occupied  by 
the  ball  players.  The  only  time  the  umpire  called 
"ball"  was  when  it  was  lost.  The  game  lasted  till  re- 
treat. There  were  no  innings  and  both  sides  won.  The 
ball  that  they  played  with  was  made  by  Private  Gus. 
Hawkins  of  Company  F. 

On  the  1 4th  of  November  there  was  a  disturbance 
or  small  riot  between  some  soldiers  of  the  Ninth 
Louisiana  and  Cubans  at  San  Luis,  in  which  five 
Cubans  were  reported  killed  and  one  soldier  belong- 
ing to  the  Ninth.  This  is  the  disturbance  that  the 
Eighth  was  reported  to  have  had,  but  at  that  partic- 
ular time  the  Eighth  was  two  miles  away  on  its  drill 
ground.  After  this  occurrence,  which  was  said  to 
have  been  caused  by  a  Cuban  saloon-keeper  trying 
to  collect  ten  cents  from  a  soldier  for  a  drink  which 
the  soldier  refused  to  pay,  thus  precipitating  the  shoot- 
ing and  the  free  use  of  the  machete,  fifteen  soldiers 
were  distributed  as  police  in  the  town.  About  the  same 
time  four  soldiers  were  appointed  as  policemen  in 
Palma.  Corporal  J.  Locket  of  E  Company  was  ap- 
pointed sergeant  of  police  by  the  commander  of  the 


5  O 
S.% 

s  3 

S  a 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN.  207 

post,  while  Privates  William  Pettit  of  Company  E, 
A.  F.  Anderson,  Company  F,  and  G.  W.  Bryant,  Com- 
pany F,  composed  the  balance  of  the  force.  They 
patrolecl  the  entire  city  from  eleven  o'clock  in  the 
morning  until  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  relieving  each 
other  at  specified  intervals. 

On  the  1 6th  of  November  there  were  some  boys 
playing  craps  in  Company  F's  quarters,  which  the 
regulations  forbade.  They  got  into  an  altercation 
during  the  game  over  a  bet.  Corporal  Locket,  the 
sergeant  of  police,  appeared  upon  the  scene  during 
the  excitement,  and  the  clamor  of  the  crowd  somewhat 
exciting  him,  he  fired  right  into  the  crowd.  It 
was  a  miracle  that  no  one  was  killed,  but  the  ball  struck 
Private  Charles  Willams  of  F  Company,  glancing  by 
on  the  breast,  making  a  slight  flesh  wound.  Williams 
was  taken  to  the  hospital  but  was  out  in  a  few  days. 
Corporal  Locket  was  up  before  the  summary  judge 
the  next  day  and  was  relieved  of  his  office  of  sergeant 
of  police.  Corporal  Johnson  of  E  Company  succeeded 
Locket.  Johnson  was  a  cool-headed,  brave  and  cour- 
ageous soldier.  I  [e  was  well  liked  by  all  the  boys 
of  both  companies. 

The  2  ist  of  November  was  the  day  that  all  of  the 
non-commissioned  officers  in  F  Company  received 
their  warrants,  while  at  dress  parade,  in  el  Plaza  de  la 
Palma  Soriano  de  Cuba.  They  were  presented  by 
First  Lieutenant  C.  L.  Hill,  in  the  absence  of  Captain 
William  B.  Akers,  who  was  sick  in  the  hospital  at 
San  Luis  with  typhoid  malaria  fever.  The  captain 
having  gone  to  San  Luis  on  official  business  on  the 
19th  of  November,  was  taken  sick.  He  was  not  able 


?08  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

to  return  to  his  duties  until  December  2cl,  when  1-e 
returned  to  his  post. 

On  the  2  ist  of  November  Lieutenant  John  E. 
Hawkins  of  Company  E  sent  in  his  resignation  as 
first  lieutenant.  Later  on  it  was  accepted,  when  he 
returned  home  to  Chicago,  111. 

A  number  of  officers  and  others  visited  Companies 
E  and  F  while  at  Palma,  among  which  may  be  men- 
tioned the  following: 

Colonel  Marshall  made  us  a  visit  in  November. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Johnson  made  us  a  visit  in  De- 
cember. 

Lieutenant  Tobin  of  the  Ninth  made  us  two  visits. 

Major  Brown  of  the  23d  Kansas  called  on  us  once, 
as  also  did  Lieutenant  Miller,  assistant  surgeon  of 
the  Eighth  Illinois. 

Lieutenant  Jackson  of  Company  H,  Eighth  Illinois, 
made  two  visits,  and  Lieutenants  Betts,  Radcliffe, 
Baker  and  Searles  each  paid  a 'call  at  Palma.  Captain 
Theo.  Van  Pelt  also  gave  us  a  visit. 

The  Reverend  Jordan  Chavis,  chaplain  of  the  Eighth 
regiment,  gave  us  two  calls  and  that  was  when  F 
Company  sent  for  him  once  upon  the  death  of  First 
Duty  Sergeant  George  L.  Patterson,  Company  F,  who 
was  killed  December  i,  and  again  upon  the  death 
of  Private  Alonzo  Parks  of  Company  F. 

Brigadier  General  Ewers  gave  us  one  visit. 

As  far  as  sergeants,  corporals  and  privates  were  con- 
cerned, they  would  come  and  go  at  every  opportunity 
and  they  had  to  pay  from  two  and  a  half  to  three  dol- 
lars every  time  they  would  rent  a  horse  for  forty- 
eight  hours.  Some  of  the  Cubans  made  considerable 


INCIDENTS  OP  THE  CAMPAIGN-.  -W 

money  by  keeping  good  ponies  to  rent  to  the  boys 
who  wanted  to  go  to  San  Luis  or  Santiago,  and  the 
boys  would  go  every  time  they  could  get  a  pass  for 
forty-eight  hours. 

Spiritually  speaking  Companies  E  and  F  were  ut- 
terly neglected.  There  was  no  minister  in  either  of 
the  companies  to  speak  words  of  love  or  comfort ;  for 
five  long  months  there  were  no  church  bells  to  be 
heard  tolling  out  praises  to  God.  There  was  no 
church  house  whereby  it  could  be  said,  "Come,  let 
us  go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord."  A  Sabbath  in 
the  mountains  to  the  boys  of  the  two  isolated  com- 
mands was  like  unto  a  heathen  land.  All  day  the 
lonely  soldier. consoled  himself  as  best  he  could.  Some 
read  old  papers,  some  their  little  Bibles,  and  others 
their  gospel  'hymns.  Many  spent  the  day  writing  to 
dear  ones  at  home,  while  others  would  band  together 
in  a  remote  corner  singing  praises,  to  God  and  send- 
ing up  supplications  to  Christ.  While  far  away  in  the 
camp  at  San  Luis  were  the  remainder  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois  under  the  palm  leaf  covering  of  their  soldier 
church,  with  heads  all  bare  and  bowed  in  reverence 
to  God,  as  the  Rev.  Jordan  Chavis  compared  the 
army  of  man  to  that  of  the  army  of  the  living  God. 
Xotwithstanding  this  isolation  the  boys  of  Palma  were 
morally  good  and  well  behaved  while  there. 

One  visit  was  given  us  by  Mr.  William  Taylor  of 
Chicago,  111.,  on  December  24th.  The  boys  were 
glad  to  see  anyone  directly  from  their  northern  home 
and  Mr.  Taylor  answered  more  questions  that  night 
than  he  ever  remembered  of  hearing  before. 

On  the  morning  of  December   ist,   at  about  ten 

M 


210  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

o'clock,  a  shock,  a  gloom  passed  over  Camp  Palma 
that  will  ever  be  remembered  by  the  members  of  both 
companies  as  well  as  by  the  many  startled  Cubans 
and  friends  of  the  soldiers.  The  day  was  calm  and 
bright.  A  balmy  breeze  was  noiselessly  swaying  the 
green  leaves  of  the  trees  to  and  fro.  Everywhere  it 
was  serene,  tranquil  and  sublime,  when  unexpected 
to  all  the  company  buglers  were  running  through  the 
streets  blowing  the  assembly  call.  From  every  direc- 
tion and  every  quarter  you  could  see  the  soldiers 
emerge  from  casa  and  store,  going  hurriedly  to  their 
quarters  to  ascertain  what  the  call  was  for.  It  was 
not  long  before  the  news  spread  all  over  town :  "Ser- 
geant Patterson  is  shot  T'  That  was  all  that  could  be 
gotten  out  of  anyone. 

Sergeant  Patterson  was  found  dead  on  the  side  of 
a  bluff  that  overlooked  the  Canto  River,  about  a  half 
mile  from  the  camp,  in  a  spot  infrequently  visited  by 
the  soldiers.  Buglers  W.  L.  Scott  of  F  Company 
and  Benj.  Wanzer  of  E  Company  were  under  a  tree 
on  top  of  this  bluff  practicing  on  their  pieces.  All 
the  buglers  were  in  the  habit  of  going  down  there 
where  it  was  shady  and  cool.  While  they  were  stand- 
ing there  in  the  shade  a  Cuban  boy  came  up  from 
the  river  below.  On  seeing  the  buglers  he  approached 
them  and  in  half-broken  English  said :  "Amigo — 
Americano  soldow,  dead,  el  rio,"  at  the  same  time 
pointing  down  the  bluff.  Scott  and  Wanzer  imme- 
diately went  down  to  see  what  the  muchacho  meant. 
When  they  had  got  only  a  part  of  the  way  down  the 
bluff  they  saw  Sergeant  George  L.  Patterson  lying 
flat  on  his  back,  head  uphill,  dead,  a  bullet  having  en- 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN.  21 1 

tered  his  chin  and  come  out  at  the  back  of  the  neck. 
His  gun  was  lying  a  few  feet  from  and  below  him  with 
the  'barrel  pointing  upward.  There  were  no  powder 
marks  on  his  face.  He  was  not  of  a  sad  disposition 
and  it  was  hardly  thought  probable  that  he  had  taken 
his  own  life. 

Sergeant  Patterson  was  first  duty  sergeant  of  F 
Company  and  had  often  acted  as  first  sergeant  when 
First  Sergeant  Augustus  Rantus  was  sick  with  fever 
and  on  other  occasions.  He  was  a  well  drilled  and 
attentive  officer.  He  was  well  liked  by  many  Cubans, 
who  literally  covered  his  coffin  with  natural  flowers, 
as  well  as  by  members  of  both  companies.  Patterson 
was  tall,  slender  and  graceful,  being  about  twenty- 
three  years  old,  and  many  of  the  boys  will  remember 
his  funny  sayings.  When  forming  the  company  one 
of  his  sayings  was :  "Come  on,  men ;  what  are  you 
going  to  do  now?  What  are  you  going  to  do?"  He 
was  a  Christian  and  the  first  of  the  second  battalion's 
men  to  sleep  in  a  Spanish  cemetery. 

It  was  customary  for  women  not  to  attend  burials, 
nor  none  of  the  relatives  of  the  deceased,  but  at  Pat- 
terson's funeral  there  were  hundreds  of  them  there 
and  they  have  been  attending  funerals  ever  since. 
The  Cubans  wanted  to  carry  his  coffin  on  their  shoul- 
ders, as  was  their  custom,  but  the  commander  of  the 
post  would  not  permit  this.  He  was  buried  with  mil- 
itary honors,  having  three  volleys  fired  over  his  rest- 
ing place.  The  regimental  chaplain,  Rev.  Jordan 
Chavis,  conducted  the  religious  ceremony,  after  which 
the  two  companies  stood  uncovered  while  Corporal 
G.  W.  Woods,  Privates  Jariot,  McLamore,  Moses 


!>!•>  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS" 

J.  C.  Nunn,  J.  P.  Stewart  and  Charles  Bishop  of  Com- 
pany F  sang  over  the  remains  of  their  dear  comrade, 
"Shall  we  meet  beyond  the  river,  when  the  surges 
cease  to  roll?" 

Decem'ber  I3th  a  Cuban  lieutenant  was  killed  by 
unknown  parties.  They  (the  Cubans)  tried  to  imitate 
the  Americans  and  buried  him  by  what  they  called 
military  honor. 

On  the  night  of  November  25th,  at  7  p.  m.,  Private 
James  Frazier,  of  Company  F,  was  married  to  a  Cuban 
senorita.  The  affair,  though  a  surprise  to  many,  was 
grand.  The  ceremonies  taking  place  at  the  casa  of  a 
very  prominent  Spaniard,  the  elite,  or  the  best  element 
of  Palma,  were  there.  There  were  wreaths  of  flowers 
and  pure  white  gowns  everywhere.  Frazier  was 
known  by  all  the  men  in  his  company  to  be  what  we 
called,  "a  fake ;"  every  time  there  was  work  to  do  Jim- 
mie  was  either  sick  or  in  the  guard  house.  I  met  him 
on  the  street  in  the  early  part  of  November.  He  said, 
"Corporal  Goode,  I'm  going  to  get  married,  what's  you 
go'n  to  give  me?"  My  reply  was:  "What  is  the 
matter  with  you,  Frazier  ?  Are  you  losing  your  mind  ? 
What  would  you  do  with  a  wife?"  He  answered, 
"never  mind,  I'm  going  to  be  a  man  now,  I'm  going  to 
be  a  soldier,  get  married  and  brace  up,  and  fool  the 
boys."  Then  he  laughed,  and  added,  "I  guess  I've 
faked  long  enough,  ain't  I?"  Well,  Frazier  told  the 
truth.  He  married  into  a  better  connection  than  any 
of  the  boys  who  had  previously  been  married.  His 
wife  has  a  splendid  education  "en  espanole."  There 
were  some  very  prominent  Cubans  and  Spaniards  at  the 
wedding,  and  so  many  young  ladies  there  that  but  a 


INCIDENTS  OP  THE  CAMPAIGN.  21H 

few  of  us  soldiers  could  get  in.  I  got  in  by  pretending 
to  keep  others  out  and  keeping  order  around  the  door, 
which  swarmed  with  men,  women  and  children  and 
soldiers.  I  think  it  was  Sergeant  Hector  of  F  Com- 
pany who  attended  to  keeping  them  quiet  after  I  had 
gone  in.  One  of  the  boys  yelled  to  me  from  without 
saying,  "say,  corporal,  how  did  you  get  in  there?"  I 
put  one  of  my  hands  to  the  side  of  my  mouth  and  said, 
"you  don't  know,  do  you?" 

First  Lieutenant  C.  L.  Hill,  of  F  Company,  who  was 
the  company  commander  at  the  time,  and  the  alcalde 
were  the  principal  figures  in  the  affair,  assisted  by  Cap- 
tain Jose  Cuervas,  as  interpreter.  Frazier's  best  men 
were  Privates  Lewis,  Peannan  and  Thaddeus  M. 
White,  of  F.  Company.  Their  nicknames  were  "skimp" 
and  "Weary  Willie,"  or  "Kid"  White.  The  boys  gave 
them  a  reception  after  the  ceremonies  were  over  at 
the  casa,  where  they  were  to  live,  at  the  corner  of  Calle 
Rosa  y  Calledios. 

It  Seemed  as  if  the  matrimonial  fever  was  going  to 
decimate  the  ranks  of  F  Company,  as  far  as  single- 
blessedness  was  concerned.'  Following  in  the  wake  of 
Private  Frazier  was  Bugler  William  L.  Scott  of  F 
Company.  He,  desiring  to  make  himself  noteworthy, 
hied  to  a  senorita,  in  consequence  of  which,  he  was 
united  to  her  in  the  holy  bonds  of  matrimony.  The  novia 
(sweetheart)  being  only  16  years  old,  it  required  the 
consent  or  willingness  of  both  the  girl's  parents  and 
his  captain,  W.  B.  Akers.  These  being  obtained,  Scotty 
and  his  little  Cuban  muhiar,  or  wife,  were  married. 
This  event  being  on  the  3ist  of  December  of  1898,  and 
presenting  as  it  did  the  last  role  in  the  matrimonial 


214  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

playhouse  for  the  old  year,  the  members  of  both 
companies  gave  him  a  serenade  and  a  reception  which 
was  very  grand. 

The  close  of  eventide  on  January  6,  1899,  found 
Company  F  again,  and  for  the  fifth  time  in  Palma,  at- 
tacked by  the  same  fever,  when  little  Cupid  led  Quar- 
termaster-sergeant Hawkins  and  his  intended  bride  to 
the  altar  of  love  and  happiness,  where  a  few  moments 
later  they  were  pronounced  man  and  wife.  This  occa- 
sion, unlike  all  other  previous  ones,  was  not  performed 
jointly  by  the  alcalde,  a  company  commander  and  an 
interpreter,  as  Senora  Perez  spoke  English,  as  did 
Sergeant  Hawkins,  thus  necessitating  only  one  official 
to  tie  the  knot. 

Senora  Perez  was  a  daughter  of  Gen.  Perez,  a  Cuban 
general  who  was  killed  in  the  late  war  by  the  Spaniards. 
Mrs.  Hawkins  speaks  both  English  and  Spanish 
fluently. 

Corporal  Arthur  Thompson  and  wife  did  not  get 
along  well  together  and  she  went  to  the  mountains  to 
live.  As  to  Corporal  Chas.  Lindsay,  he  lived  with  his 
wife  until  we  left  Palma,  'when  he  left  her  under  a 
pretense  of  sending  for  her.  The  other  three  soldiers 
of  F  Company  who  got  married  were  really  sincere. 
They  brought  their  wives  with  them  over  two  thou- 
sand miles,  and  at  last  reports  are  living  happy  together 
in  Chicago,  111.,  though  the  newspapers  printed  much 
to  the  detriment  of  those  concerned. 

Company  E  was  lucky  in  not  catching  the  matri- 
monial fever.  But  at  one  time  we  thuught  sure  that 
First  Sergeant  Oliver  M.  Davis  of  E  Company  had  it, 


INCIDENTS  Or  THE  CAMPAIGN.  215 

also  an  attendant  of  the  hospital.  The  boys  know  who 
he  was.  Adios,  hospital  steward. 

In  all  armies  there  is  strife,  contention  and  animosity. 
Envy  and  jealousy  are  always  aroused  by  success. 
Even  so  was  this  in  F  Company.  This  company  was 
made  up  of  young  and  intelligent  men,  as  a  whole,  and 
at  one  time  promised  to  be  the  star  company  of  the 
regiment.  It  could  hold  its  own  beside  any  company 
in  the  regiment.  It  was  F  Company  that  received  a 
very  large  bouquet  for  making  the  best  movements 
while  passing  in  review  on  dress  parade  that  memor- 
able Sunday  afternoon  at  Springfield,  111. 

But  all  of  the  ambition,  interest  and  pride  that  char- 
acterized her  sergeants,  corporals  and  privates  van- 
ished when  dissension  arose  among  her  commissioned 
officers.  It  had  at  one  time  gained  such  an  influence 
among  the  commissioned  officers  that  it  was  only  neces- 
sary for  one  officer  to  like  an  non-com.,  or  private  in 
the  company  for  that  soldier  to  incur  the  hatred  of 
other  officers.  Corporals  and  sergeants  who  were  in- 
stalled by  one  officer  almost  had  to  have  the  qualifica- 
tions for  drill  of  a  lieutenant  or  else  they  were  liable  to 
have  charges  preferred  against  them  for  inefficiency, 
insubordination,  conduct  unbecoming  an  officer  or 
something  else,  and  reduction  to  the  ranks  would  be 
the  inevitable  result.  Here  is  an  example:  On  the 
2ist  of  November,  First  Sergeant  Augustus  Rantus 
was  charged  and  tried  for  insubordination  to  Second 
Lieutenant  John  McDonald,  of  Company  F.  The 
summary  court  finding  him  guilty,  reduced  him  to  the 
ranks  and  imposed  a  fine  of  $10.  A  sergeant  has  the 
right  to  demand  a  trial  by  court  martial,  which  Ser- 


21C  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

geant  Rantus  demanded.  Being  liberally  supported  by 
other  ranking  officers,  for,  to  use  a  political  saying, 
Rantus  had  a  "bigger  pull"  than  was  at  first  thought, 
his  fine  was  suspended  and  he  was  restored  back  to 
his  former  rank.  All  went  well  apparently  until  the 
latter  part  of  January,  1899,  when  he  was  reduced  for 
inefficiency  by  order  of  First  Lieutenant  C.  L.  Hill, 
who  was  at  that  time  acting  as  commander  of  Company 
F  in  the  absence  of  Captain  W.  B.  Akers.  While 
under  arrest  Rantus  was  reduced  from  first  sergeant 
to  first  duty  sergeant,  and  First  Duty  Sergeant  Varies 
A.  Davis  was  promoted  to  succeed  him  as  first  sergeant 
of  Company  F.  There  were  also  many  changes  in 
corporals  at  this  time. 

A  few  days  after  this  Colonel  Marshall  ordered  Com- 
panies E  and  F  to  report  back  to  the  regimental  head- 
quarters for  duty ;  accordingly  Company  G  of  the 
Ninth  Immunes  was  sent  to  relieve  us,  and  on  the  I4th 
of  February  we  left  Palma  Sorvano  for  San  Luis,  much 
to  the  joy  of  many,  while  it  was  to  the  sorrow  of 
others. 

Soon  after  arriving  at  San  Luis  again  Captain  Akers 
was  restored  back  to  his  command.  The  first  day  he 
resumed  his  duties  as  captain  he  reduced  Sergeant 
Davis  back  to  line  sergeant  again  and  had  Sergeant 
Rantus  re-restored  to  first  sergeant  of  the  company 
by  orders  of  the  colonel.  In  this  capacity  Sergeant 
Rantus  remained  until  we  were  mustered  out.  There 
were  two  other  changes  Captain  Akers  made  the  same 
day,  one  was  to  reduce  Sergeant  Turner  (made  ser- 
geant by  First  Lieutenant  Hill)  to  a  corporalship  again, 
and  the  other  was  to  take  the  corporal  stripes  from  G. 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN.  217 

W.  Haywood.  Many  of  the  soldiers  were  made  glad 
by  this  act  of  the  captain's,  while  some  censured  him. 
There  was  another  incident  which  came  under  the 
observation  of  some  of  the  soldiers  while  out  building 
a  road  that  is  worthy  of  mention.  On  the  26th  of 
November  a  poor  old  Cuban  named  Alveries  Phillipi 
was  found  dead  by  the  roadside  between  Conception 
and  San  Luis.  Senor  Phillipi  used  to  come  by  the 
commissary  every  day  while  in  Palma,  and  I  always 
filled  his  sack  with  rations.  He  disappeared  from 
Palma  and  while  trying  to  reach  San  Luis  had  got 
thus  far  and  succumbed.  He  had  to  walk  with  one 
crutch  and  a  cane.  The  niguas  were  in  one  foot  and 
it  swelled  until  it  burst.  When  found  one  side  of  his 
body  was  literally  eaten  up  by  niguas,  or,  as  the  soldiers 
called  them,  jiggers.  Every  soldier  knows  what  they 
are.  Alveries  was  buried  by  the  soldiers  under  a 
mango  tree  by  the  roadside  near  Five  Mile  Creek. 

VOCATION. 

But  little  stress  has  been  put  upon  the  daily  voca- 
tions of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment  and  but  little 
comment  indulged  in,  and  therefore  very  little  is 
known  of  it.  That  the  regiment  had  a  daily  routine 
of  labors  to  perform  is  putting  it  mildly.  The  men 
and  officers  did  naught  in  the  line  of  garrison  duty 
as  an  army  of  occupation,  but  to  drill  twice  a  day,  to 
do  guard  duty,  to  keep  constantly  on  the  alert  in  or- 
der to  report  every  breach  of  order  or  regulation  that 
they  were  instructed  to  enforce,  in  guarding  all  gov- 
ernment property  in  view,  in  enforcing  order,  both 
military  and  civil,  and  keeping  in  check  the  treach- 


218  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

erous  and  thieving  proclivities  of  the  idle,  lazy  and 
indolent  Cuban  kept  them  busy  at  all  times.  It  is 
doing  a  gross  injustice  to  every  officer  and  private 
of  the  organization  to  say  they  did  not  have  much 
to  do.  Even  much  more  did  they  necessarily  have 
to  do.  They  had  to  build  miles  of  high  roads  and 
bridges,  clean  and  repair  streets  and  public  thorough- 
fares and  would-be  plazas  or  public  squares. 

They  destroyed  the  useless  yet  formidable  Spanish 
blockhouses  that  poised  most  defiantly  upon  the  bold 
summits  of  a  chain  of  mounds  and  hills  that  encircled 
the  town.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  these  silent  Span- 
ish devices  of  vigilance  were  not  only  silent  words 
of  pass  horrors  and  Spanish  oppression,  but  were 
equally  obnoxious  to  the  Cuban's  vision,  and  the 
demolishing  of  them  was  not  only  an  act  gratefully 
appreciated  by  the  poor  native,  but  the  material  was 
used  by  the  soldiers  for  fuel,  which  was  very  difficult 
to  obtain  in  the  near  vicinity  of  our  camps. 

It  was  a  common  occurrence  to  see  daily  wood  de- 
tails of  half  a  score  or  more  of  soldier  boys  lugging 
those  long  slab  palmetto  boards  on  their  shoulders  in 
the  hot,  burning  sun,  a  distance  of  from  one  to  three 
miles  from  the  camp.  This  was  not  only  a  now  and 
then  occurrence,  but  a  daily  performance. 

Especially  was  this  true  of  Companies  E  and  F, 
who  were  detached  from  their  regiment.  These  two 
isolated  companies  had  to  carry  all  the  wood  and  water 
used  by  both  companies  in  the  quarters,  at  the  head- 
quarters and  at  the  hospital,  for  cooking  and  all  other 
purposes,  and  as  I  have  stated  this  happened  daily 
until  the  departmental  quartermaster  at  San  Luis  de 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN.  219 

Cuba  sent  E  and  F  Company  each  a  United  States 
army  wagon. 

The  first  of  the  two  wagons  that  arrived  at  Palma 
was  E  Company's  wagon,  driven  by  quartermaster  ser- 
geant of  Company  E,  Julius  W.  Johnson.  The  arrival 
of  this  wagon  was  a  source  of  much  relief  to  the 
boys  and  they  fairly  yelled  at  its  coming.  "Here 
comes  our  wagons,"  one  was  heard  to  say.  "No  more 
toting  wood  and  water,"  another  remarked.  "Now 
we'll  get  our  rations  on  time,  won't  we,  pal  ?"  a  third 
one  said,  while  the  old  army  wagon  drew  nearer  and 
nearer,  followed  by  a  long  string  of  Cuban  boys  and 
girls,  this  being  the  first  wagon  many  of  them  had 
ever  seen.  They  hung  around  it  "half  amazed  arxd 
half  in  wonderment,  scrutinizing  all  the  taps  and  bolts 
and  workings  of  a  wagon  having  four  wheels  and 
drawn  by  six  large  American  mules  and  a  man  riding 
on  top  of  one  of  the  mules.  They  would  stand,  look 
and  pause,  then  finally  would  mutter,  "Hem !  Ameri- 
cano correton  y  mulo  mucho  buenos,"  i.  e.,  Ameri- 
can wagon  and  mules  very  good. 

There  were  daily  details  made  up  to  go  to  town 
and  clean  the  streets,  whitewash  the  buildings  or 
houses  that  were  used  for  the  government  and  by 
the  army.  Where  the  camp  at  San  Luis  was  was 
nothing  but  high  weeds  and  shrubbery.  This  the 
boys  cut  and  gru'bbed  away  until  a  beautiful  slope 
of  some  twenty  acres  of  camp  and  parade  ground  was 
the  result.  In  the  'burning  sun  the  boys  of  the  Eighth 
tugged  away,  piling  up  shrubbery  and  burning  it. 
There  were  also  human  skeletons  found  in  this  field 
which  were  raked  up  and  burned.  There  was  many 


220  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS" 

a  germ  of  the  yellow  jack  and  malaria  destroyed  in' 

those  heaps  of  dying  vegetation.     Thus  their  labor 

was  for  a  sanitary  benefit  as  much  as  for  a  camp  site. 

CHRONOLOGY   OF  THE   EIGHTH. 

The  ninth  battalion  was  mustered  into  the  State 
National  Guards  November  4,  1895. 

The  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Regiment  was  mus- 
tered into  the  United  States  service  July  13,  1898. 

It  was  mustered  out  of  service  April  3,  1899. 

The  Eighth  Illinois  was  attached  to  the  Third 
Brigade,  Fourth  Division,  of  the  Fifth  Army  Corps 
of  the  United  States  in  the  war  between  America  and 
Spain. 

John  R.  Marshall  was  commissioned  as  colonel  of 
the  United  States  volunteer  army  July  23,  1898, 
ii  a.  m. 

The  Eighth  Illinois  left  Chicago  for  Camp  Tanner 
June  30,  1898,  10:30  p.  m. 

Arrived  at  Camp  Tanner  July  I,  1898,  6:45  a.  m. 

Left  Camp  Tanner  for  Santiago  via  New  York  City 
Aug.  8,  1898,  8  p.  m. 

Arrived  at  New  York  City  Aug.  u,  1898,  11  a.  m. 

Left  New  York  on  the  cruiser  "Yale"  Aug.  n, 
1898,  i  p.  m. 

Sighted  the  Bahamas  (San  Salvador)  Aug  .14,  1898, 
p.  m. 

Sighted  the  Island  of  Cuba  Aug.  14,  1898,  a.  m. 

Arrived  at  Guantanamo  Bay  Aug.  15,  1898,  p.  m. 

Arrived  at  Moro  Castle  Aug.  15,  1898. 

Arrived  at  Santiago  de  Cuba  Aug.  16,  1898,  7  p.  m. 

Arrived  at  San  Luis  de  Cuba  Aug.  18  and  19,  1898, 
2 145  a.  m. 


INCIDENTS  OF  THE  CAMPAIGN.  2^1 

Companies  E  and  F  were  detached  from  regiment 
Aug.  2$,  1898. 

Arrived  at  Palma,  2$  mile  march,  Aug.  24,  1898. 

Left  Palma  Soriano  Feb.  14,  1899,  4:15  p.  m. 

Arrived  in  San  Luis  Feb.  14,  1899,  8:30  p.  m. 

The  entire  regiment  left  San  Luis  for  Santiago 
March  10,  1899,  a.  m. 

Arrived  at  Santiago  March  10,  1899,  P-  m- 

Left  Santiago  de  Cuba  for  the  States  March  n, 
1899,  7  a.  m. 

Arrived  at  Newport  News,  Va.,  March  16,  1899, 
10  a.  m. 

Arrived  at  Chicago  March  18,  1899,  i  p.  m. 

OFFICIAL   QUOTATIONS. 
The  Beginning,  at  Camp  Tanner. 
"Even  from  the  very  doors  of  the  White  House 
have  I  received  letters  asking  and  advising  me  not  to 
officer  this  regiment  (Eighth)  with  colored  men,  but 
I  promised  to  do  so  and  I  have  done  it.     I  shall  never 
rest  till  I  see  this  regiment  (my  regiment)  on  the  soil 
of  Cuba  battling  for  the  right  and  for  its  kinsmen. 
'GOVERNOR  JOHN  R.  TANNER, 

"Of  the  State  of  Illinois." 
THE   CLOSING,   IN   CUBA. 

"The  Eight  is  as  fine  a  volunteer  regiment  as  was 
ever  mustered  into  the  service." 


CHAPTER    VIII. 
COURAGE   KNOWS   NO   COLOR. 

The  will  to  do  brave  deeds  to  neither  clime 
Nor  color  owes  its  birth  ;  courageous  souls 
Are  ever  white  as  God's  effulgent  ray — 
Which  touched  them  into  life. 

.  The  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  which  went 
to  the  front,  enlisted  with  the  ardor  of  patriots,  born 
of  the  desire  to  fight  for  the  country  that  had  given 
them  freedom  and  protection ;  to  show  that  they,  too, 
could  fight  for  the  cause  of  liberty,  and  finally,  in 
aid  of  the  suffering  victims  of  the  tyranny  of  Spain. 
The  colored  soldiers  of  Illinois  went  forth,  not  to  war 
against  the  Spanish  soldiers,  but  against  an  enemy 
more  dreaded  and  more  decimating  to  the  ranks  of 
the  American  soldiers  who  fought  in  Cuba.  Their 
ready  response  in  the  very  face  of  death  was  in  itself 
an  evidence  of  heroism  which  should  win  the  grati- 
tude of  every  citizen  of  the  state  and  country.  They 
showed  that  the  same  spirit,  quickened  sense  of  pa- 
triotism and  loyalty  to  the  flag  inspires  men  of  all 
colors  and  conditions.  When  the  brave  soldiers  of 
the  Eighth .  went  to  war  against  "Yellow  Jack"  in 
Cuba,  there  was  uppermost  in  their  minds  the  one 
thing  or  thought,  to  show  their  white  liberators  that 


A   SOLDIER'S   DREAM. 


COURAGE  KNOWS  NO  COLOR.  225 

they  could  offer  their  life  blood  as  willingly  as  did  the 
soldiers  in  the  Civil  War. 

The  regiment  went  to  Cuba  with  as  much  peril  ahead 
as  was  encountered  by  the  Ninth  and  Tenth  colored 
cavalrymen  and  the  Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty-fifth 
infantries,  colored,  which  dashed  up  the  heights  of 
San  Juan  and  nobly  helped  carry  the  day.  These 
colored  troops,  who  did  more  to  elevate  the  race  in  the 
estimation  of  the  world  than  any  other  event  in  its 
history,  encountered  a  storm  of  bullets,  but  the  Eighth 
Illinois  had  the  fatal  germs  of  fever  to  combat  and 
great  hardships  to  endure.  Illinois  will  receive  a 
great  share  of  credit  given  by  historians  of  the  future 
to  the  colored  troops  in  the  war  with  Spain.  The 
Eighth  Illinois  only  lacked  the  opportunity  to  make 
for  Illinois  as  glorious  a  record  as  the  cavalry  and  in- 
fantry troops  achieved  at  Santiago.  Its 'name  will 
be  enshrined  nevertheless  with  the  deeds  of  those 
daring  men,  and  will  sustain  the  record  for  unflinch- 
ing duty  and  hardihood  for  which  the  pace  was  set 
by  the  famous  Fifty-fourth  Massachusetts  Regiment 
of  the  Civil  War. 

Illinois  had  companies  of  colored  soldiers  in  the 
Twenty-ninth  United  States  colored  troops,  which 
fought  in  the  Civil  War,  but  the  departure  of  the 
Eighth  Illinois  for  the  front  marked  the  representa- 
tion of  the  Prairie  State  for  the  first  time  in  any  war 
by  a  full  colored  regiment  in  the  government  service 
(or  any  other  state).  The  Eighth  was  recruited 
mostly  from  Chicago,  and  it  also  represented  all  sec- 
tions of  the  state,  especially  in  the  populous  section  of 
the  southern  part.  The  Ninth  Battalion,  Chicago, 
15 


226  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

which  performed  faithful  service  for  the  state  for  years, 
was  the  nucleus  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment. 

The  first  apportionment  of  regiments  from  the  state 
militia  to  be  called  out  under  the  call  for  125,000  volun- 
teers did  not  include  the  colored  boys,  but  when  the 
first  call  came  to  the  state  the  colored  regiment  was 
already  in  formation,  and  prepared  to  answer  the  call 
to  the  front.  With  amazing  rapidity  the  companies 
were  created  and  filled  to  the  necessary  complement. 
But  the  impatient  men  were  compelled  to  wait  for  the 
second  call  for  volunteers  and  were  the  first  to  be 
brought  into  the  field  under  that  call.  They  were 
prompt  to  respond. 

.  There  were  in  the  regiment  when  it  left  Chicago 
1,500  men,  from  whom  the  full  strength  was  selected. 
Companies  A,  B,  C,  D,  E  and  F  were  recruited 
in  Chicago  and  made  up  from  the  old  Ninth  Battalion. 
The  remaining  companies  were  enlisted  from  Bioom- 
ington,  Springfield,  Quincy,  Litchfield,  Mound  City 
and  Cairo. 

The  departure  of  the  regiment  from  Chicago  saw  an 
outpouring  of  the  entire  colored  population  of  the 
city  to  see  their  friends  and  relatives  off  'to  the  front. 
The  six  companies  from  Chicago  took  cars  to  Spring- 
field, where  they  went  into  the  field  under  tents  and 
were  encamped  beside  the  Ninth  Illinois,  which  was 
the  other  regiment  called  out  under  the  second  procla- 
mation. The  regiment  was  in  the  state  fair  grounds 
nearly  two  weeks  before  it  was  mustered  into  the 
Federal  service.  On  July  i3th  the  oath  was  taken  to 
defend  the  flag  and  obey  their  superior  officers.  The 
muster  roll  showed  1,195  men  and  76  officers. 


COURAGE  KNOWS  NO  COLOR.  227 

"CALLED   TO   CUBA." 

The  Illinois  colored  soldiers  went  to  Cuba,  in  re- 
sponse to  an  emergency  call.  News  came  through  a 
cable  to  Governor  Tanner  from  the  colonel  command- 
ing the  First  Regiment  Illinois  Volunteers.  He  im- 
plored Governor  Tanner  to  do  all  he  could  to  call  the 
First  Regiment  from  Cuba,  and  thus  avert  a  calamity. 
Governor  Tanner  immediately  called  Colonel  Marshall 
of  the  Eighth  and  his  officers  to  a  conference,  and  asked 
if  they  were  willing  to  go  to  the  front.  They  made  a 
quick  response  that  they  were  both  willing  and  ready. 
Thereupon,  the  governor  sent  the  following  telegram : 

"Springfield,  111.,  August  4. 
''H.  C.  Corbin,  Adjutant-General,  Washington,  D.  C. : 

"I  called  the  officers  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  (colored) 
in  conference  and  they  are  unanimously  and  enthu- 
siastically in  favor  of  being  sent  to  relieve  the  First 
Illinois  at  Santiago." 

"Washington,  August  5. 
"Governor  Tanner,  Springfield,  111. : 

"The  Secretary  appreciates  very  much  the  offer  of 
the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry  for  duty  in 
Santiago,  and  has  directed  that  the  regiment  be  sent 
there  on  steamer  Yale,  leaving  New  York  next  Tues- 
day. The  main  trouble  with  our  troops  now  in  Cuba 
is  that  they  are  suffering  from  exhaustion  and  expo- 
sure, incident  to  one  of  the  most  trying  campaigns  to 
which  soldiers  have  -ever  been  subjected. 

"H.  C.  CORBIN, 
"Adjutant-General." 

That  settled  the  question.  Following  close  upon 
that  came  the  message  from  the  War  Department,  or- 


228  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

clering  the  Eighth  Illinois  Regiment  to  be  in  New 
York  City  in  time  to  take  the  steamer  Yale,  which  left 
Tuesday  for  Santiago.  This  did  not  leave  much  time 
for  preparation,  and  as  soon  as  the  cars  arrived  the 
men  were  loaded  and  the  start  was  made.  The  boys 
felt  repaid  for  all  the  dangers  they  were  daring  by  the 
demonstrations  along  the  route  from  Springfield  to 
New  York. 

The  regimental  clerk  wrote  back :  "I  suppose  you 
know  of  our  trip  from  Springfield  to  New  York.  The 
people,  white  and  black,  were  very  kind  to  us  all  along 
the  route.  When  passing  through  Greenfield,  Chilli- 
cothe  and  Athens,  Ohio,  our  train  was  halted  by  citi- 
zens and  splendid  lunches  were  given  to  us,  without 
money  and  without  price.  Along  with  the  lunches 
came  kind  words  of  encouragement  and  beautiful 
flowers.  These  manifestations  of  regard  made  us  feel 
that  we  were  having  a  part  of  our  reward  in  advance. 
Those  good  people  can  never  know  how  their  actions 
inspired  us  and  strengthened  us  for  the  hardships  that 
we  have  seen  since  that  trip." 

They  arrived  in  New  York  two  men  short — Private 
George  Wall  and  Private  Charles  Ambrose  of  Com- 
pany F,  Captain  W.  B.  Akers.  They  accidentally  fell 
of?  the  train  and  were  too  badly  injured  to  proceed. 

August  1 1  they  left  New  York  City  for  Santiago  de 
Cuba,  taking  passage  on  the  steamer  Yale.  They  did 
not  have  a  picnic  on  the  way  over  by  any  means.  The 
quartermaster  of  each  company,  not  having  a  good 
place  to  cook  for  his  men,  could  not  give  them  the  food 
they  needed.  They  suffered  greatly  for  water ;  all  that 
was  furnished  was  very  warm,  a  poor  makeshift  for  a 


COURAGE  KNOWS  NO  COLOR.  229 

thirsty  man.-  They  used  to  kick  about  Chicago  water, 
but  they  would  have  given  a  good  deal  for  a  drink  of 
lake  water  on  the  Yale.  Some  of  the  boys  paid  some 
waiters  twenty-five  cents  for  a  drink  of  ice  water.  The 
cooler  was  in  the  dining-room,  but  under  heavy  guard. 
One  man  paid  $1.00  for  three  cups  of  coffee.  They 
had  a  very  smooth  voyage,  steaming  about  fifteen  or 
twenty  knots  an  hour.  For  the  next  two  days  there 
was  nothing  of  special  interest,  being  out  on  the  open 
sea,  with  nothing  in  sight  but  the  sky  above  and  the 
blue  sea  below.  Saturday  afternoon  they  sighted  San 
Salvador.  Sunday  noon  the  beautiful,  verdant  hills  of 
Cuba  burst  upon  the  view,  and  for  the  rest  of  the  day 
the  Cuban  coast  was  in  full  view. 

IN    SANTIAGO    HARBOR. 

All  enjoyed  the  sight  of  land  and  the  prospects  of  a 
quick  landing.  The  reception,  which  was  royal,  is 
thus  described  by  one  of  the  company  officers : 

"We  dropped  anchor  in  Santiago  Bay  just  as  the 
sun  was  setting.  We  are  now  in  waters  historic  for- 
evermore.  Above  us,  sullen  and  rugged,  frowns  the 
Moro,  now  dismantled.  All  around  us  is  the  now 
placid  water,  upon  whose  bosom  took  place  the  naval 
battle  which  sealed  the  fate  of  the  Spanish  government 
in  the  western  world.  From  the  highest  point  of  the 
Moro  an  American  sentinel,  with  the  Stars  and 
Stripes  waving,  cheered  our  boys,  and  our  band  re- 
sponded by  playing  the  'Star  Spangled  Banner.' 

"It  was  an  inspiring  sight,  which  can  never  be  ef- 
faced from  my  memory.  The  flagstaff  and  upper  deck 
cf  the  Spanish  cruiser,  Reina  Mercedes,  was  in  full 


280  "THE    EIGHTH    ILLINOIS." 

view  just  inside  of  the  bay,  where  she  was  sunk.  A 
little  further  in  and  in  full  view  could  be  seen  the  flag- 
staff of  the  Merrimac.  Among  such  surroundings  we 
rested  for  the  night. 

"The  next  forenoon  the  lighters  came  out  of  the 
bay  to  take  us  up  to  Santiago.  It  took  quite  a  half 
day  to  transfer  the  regiment  and  supplies.  About 
3  o'clock  we  entered  the  channel.  Again  the  Ameri- 
can sentinel  from  the  heights  above  waved  the  Stars 
and  Stripes  and  cheered  as  we  passed  in.  The  band  re- 
sponded by  playing  'America.' 

"We  disembarked  at  Santiago  about  5  o'clock,  Tues- 
day, August  1 6.  The  first  night's  experience  in  Cuba 
was  at  Santiago.  The  men  camped  in  a  graveyard. 
As  soon  as  they  surveyed  the  ground  their  admiration 
for  Uncle  Sam's  boys  rose  beyond  expression.  It  was 
a  mystery  to  all  how  the  United  States  soldiers  ever 
landed.  The  place  was  full  of  blockhouses,  trenches, 
breastworks,  etc.,  built  by  the  Spaniards,  and  they 
really  looked  impregnable.  We  found  the  Cubans  to 
be  hard  bargain  drivers.  They  were  worse  than  the 
Spaniards,  for  they  charged  double  price  for  every- 
thing. Colonel  Marshall  had  a  Cuban  woman  make 
him  a  pitcher  of  coffee.  He  furnished  the  coffee  and 
she  furnished  the  water  and  fire.  She  charged  him 
fifty  cents. 

"August  the  8th  came  one  of  the  first  honors  of  the 
Eighth.  Colonel  Marshall  was  appointed  governor  of 
San  Luis.  At  first  great  anxiety  was  manifested  on 
all  sides  for  the  health  of  the  colored  soldiers.  The 
fever  which  had  so  decimated  the  ranks  of  the  First 
Regiment  was  certain  to  attack  the  newcomers.  For- 


COURAGE  KNOWS  NO  COLOR.  2ol 

tunately,  the  rainy  season  was  nearly  over,  and  the 
Eighth  suffered  but  little." 

COLONEL  MARSHALL'S   LETTER. 

"Our  regiment  is  getting  along  nicely,  and  as  for 
discipline  and  proficiency  I  will  stake  it  against  any 
other  volunteer  regiment  that  was  ever  'mustered,  al- 
though reports  have  gone  out  to  the  contrary.  There 
was  no  truth  in  the  report  that  we  were  lawless  and 
undisciplined.  No  regiment  ever  acted  better  than  the 
Eighth  Illinois,  and  when  the  inspector-general  ar- 
rived from  Santiago  to  investigate  the  regiment  we 
were  surprised,  for  we  knew  nothing  of  the  report  un- 
til then,  and  the  investigation  proved  it  to  be  a  libel 
I  assure  you  that  the  officers  and  men  are  on  their 
guard,  because  we  recognize  the  fact  that  the  colored 
officers  are  on  trial.  The  men  have  proved  for  years 
that  they  are  made  of  all  wool  and  a  yard  wide.  Our 
success  is  theirs  and  that  of  the  whole  race.  If  we  fail 
the  whole  race  will  have  to  shoulder  the  burden. 

"We  have  a  good  many  sick.  The  morning  report 
showed  161,  90  per  cent  malarial  fever.  We  have  lost 
fi've  men  since  we  left  New  York  by  death.  Two  died 
last  week.  The  climate  is  very  hard  on  the  men.  We 
have  fared  no  better  than  other  regiments  that  pre- 
ceded us,  but  the  deaths  have  been  fewer.  One  regi- 
ment now,  the  Ninth  Immunes  (colored),  from  New 
Orleans,  1,000  strong,  that  arrived  since  we  came,  has 
over  80  per  cent  of  its  men  sick.  Talk  about  im- 
munes.  There  is  no  such  thing.  They  are  in  a  bad 
plight.  They  will  not  average  fifteen  men  to  the 
company  for  duty.  I  am  glad  to  know  that  we  are  not 


2:52  '"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS/' 

forgotten.  We  should  not  be  for  we  are  facing  a 
monster  more  fatal  than  Spanish  bullets  in  a  climate 
that  is  filled  with  fever,  with  no  nourishments  for  the 
sick  but  rice  and  canned  soups.  Chickens  are  one 
dollar  apiece,  eggs  are  seventy-five  cents  per  dozen, 
fresh  meats  we  never  see.  Bacon  and  hardtack  every 
meal,  poor  water  and  no  ice.  How  I'd  like  to  see  the 
Armour  avenue  iceman  to-night. 

"The  money  raised  should  be  used  in  buying  nour- 
ishments for  the  sick.  Then,  if  there  is  any  left,  for- 
ward here  to  buy  some  things  that  would  not  keep  or 
stand  the  trip  without  spoiling.  Our  surgeons  are 
worked  very  hard  but  they  are  doing  all  they  can  for 
the  sick.  I  visit  the  hospital  every-  day  and  speak  en- 
couragingly to  each  man.  I  have  had  excellent  health 
myself,  but  I  may  be  taken  down  any  day,  because  it 
looks  like  every  man  must  get  his  share  of  it.  We 
were  very  lucky  that  we  were  sent  away  from  Santiago. 
It  was  death  to  stay  there.  You  had  to  eat  your  din- 
ner under  a  mosquito  bar  to  keep  the  flies  out  of  your 
food.  The  stench  was  worse  than  the  Chicago  River 
at  the  Stockyards." 

One  of  the  most  perplexing  problems  which  threat- 
ened the  colored  soldiers  was  the  question  of  officers. 
In  the  regular  service  the  officers  on  the  commissioned 
staff  are  all  white.  It  had  always  been  contended 
that  while  the  colored  soldiers  were  brave,  they  would 
fight  best  under  white  officers,  but  this  the  colored 
soldiers  would  not  admit,  and  several  volunteer  com- 
panies in  different  states  resigned  rather  than  accept 
white  officers.  When  the  Eighth  was  mustered  into 
the  service  the  experiment  was  given  a  trial,  for  every 


COURAGE  KNOWS  NO  COLOR.  233 

officer  from  corporal  to  colonel  was  colored.  What 
the  ultimate  result  will  be  remains  to  be  seen,  but 
thus  far  reports  have  been  favorable.  The  men  ot 
the  Eighth  realize  that  they  are  on  trial,  and  they 
act  accordingly.  Dr.  Curtis,  first  lieutenant  and  com- 
pany surgeon,  wrote  home :  "We  appreciate  the  in- 
terest which  all  Chicago  people  manifest  in  our  boys, 
who  are  now  patriot  exiles  from  our  great  state. 
None  of  our  friends  needs  have  any  fear  about  the 
Eighth.  She  is  all  right.  The  reputation  of  the  regi- 
ment is  safe  from  the  general  commanding  the  divi- 
sion down.  All  regard  the  Eighth  as  an  exceptional 
regiment.  Our  boys  perform  every  duty  assigned  to 
them  with  promptness  and  in  a  manner  that  has  uni- 
formity and  has  elicited  favorable  comment  from  the 
general.  Colonel  Marshall  is  held  in  high  esteem 
by  all  the  officers  and  men.  He  is  a  good  commander 
and  has  his  regiment  well  in  hand.  We  have  had  no 
trouble  in  maintaining  discipline.  The  statement  here- 
tofore made  that  colored  officers  could  not  command 
colored  soldiers  will  never  be  made  again.  If  it  is, 
our  only  reply  will  be  to  point  to  the  Eighth,  and 
to  examine  her  records  as  kept  in  the  imperishable  ar- 
chives of  the  War  Department.  This  will  show  that 
there  was  as  little  trouble  in  maintaining  discipline 
in  the  Eighth  Regiment  as  in  any  regiment  in  the 
government  service,  regular  or  volunteer.  At  times 
we  all  feel  like  being  at  home,  but  we  enlisted  for 
two  years,  and  each  soldier  in  our  ranks  resolutely 
says,  'My  services  the  government  wants  for  that 
length  of  time.  I  will  answer  call  every  morning  for 
two  years ;  nay,  more,  after  that,  if  Uncle  Sam  should 


*34  "77/£   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

need  a  well-disciplined  regiment  to  protect  his  inter- 
ests in  our  new  territories,  whether  Cuba,  Porto  Rico 
or  Manila.  All  that  he  needs  to  do  is  to  call  the 
Eighth  and  we'll  answer.'  We  realize  the  fact  that 
we  are  making  history  for  our  race,  and  we  are  willing 
to  make  the  sacrifice.  God  knows,  I  would  give  a 
month's  salary  to  see  my  wife  and  children  to-day. 
But  sacrifice  is  sweetened  by  the  consolation  which 
comes  when  duty  is  faithfully  done.  We  propose  to 
make  such  good  soldiers  of  our  men  that  no  Ameri- 
can can  ever  say  again  that  the  American  Negro  is 
unworthy  the_  uniform  of  the  United  States  Army, 
whether  it  be  the  ordinary  blue  of  a  private  grandly 
and  silently  walking  his  post  at  night,  or  the  colonel 
with  plumed  helmet  and  drawn  saber  proudly  riding 
at  the  head  of  a  magnificent  regiment.  The  health 
of  the  regiment  is  fairly  good.  Malarial  fever  is  the 
principal  sickness." 

MARRYING  CUBAN  GIRLS. 

The  usual  good  nature  of  the  colored  boys  is  shown 
in  Cuba,  as  well  as  at  home.  They  are  adapting  them- 
selves to  circumstances.  Unable  to  bask  in  the  sun- 
shine of  their  home  girls,  they  are  playing  Romeo  to 
Cuban  Juliets.  Several  of  the  Eighth  have  taken 
Cuban  wives,  and  "still  there  are  more  to  follow." 

A    LETTER    FROM    HARRY    McCARD,    HOSPITAL 
STEWARD. 

"Afro-American-Cuban  wedding,  which  occurred 
Thanksgiving  Day.  The  crowning  happiness  came 
to  two  boys  in  Company  F,  about  two  weeks  ago,  when 
they  were  married  to  two  beautiful  senoritas  of  the 


COURAGE  KNOWS  NO  COLOR.  235 

pale-face  and  long-haired  variety.  The  wedding,  which 
was  a  double  one,  took  place  in  a  small  grass-roofed 
house,  and  was  quite  as  pretty  as  it  was  odd.  Neither 
of  the  grooms  could  speak  or  understand  a  com- 
plete sentence  in  the  language  of  the  brides,  who  in 
turn  could  hardly  speak  a  word  in  English.  The  serv- 
ices of  an  interpreter,  of  course,  were  required,  and 
after  the  boys  were  married  they  were  well  married, 
for  the  city  mayor,  the  city  judge  and  the  chief  of 
police  all  took  a  hand  in  the  ceremony.  Two  new 
firesides  have  been  set  up  and  the  young  people  seem 
to  be  living  very  happily  indeed.  I  know  several  more 
who  are  preparing  for  the  same  important  step,  strange 
as  it  may  seem.  . 

"HARRY  McCARD." 

ONE   OF  THE   BOYS   PLEADS. 

One  of  the  boys  pleads  his  company  guilty  of  for- 
aging for  chicken  and  shoat.  He  says  that  while  he 
did  not  wanf  to  complain,  he  thought  it  was  only  fair 
to  say  they  had  seen  trouble  sometimes  in  the  com- 
missary department.  They  were  especially  anxious 
for  the  sick  boys,  who  suffered  considerably  for  food. 
While  they  were  waiting  for  improvements  in  sup- 
plies, it  was  generally  conceded  that  the  pig  or  chicken 
that  had  more  curiosity  than  good  judgment  never 
lived  to  repeat  the  experiment. 

ASSIGNED  TO   DUTY. 

The  soldiers  began  active  provost  duty  as  soon  as 
they  reached  Cuba.  The  regiment  landed  at  San- 
tiago wharf,  marched  about  a  mile  from  town  through 
deep  mud  and  water  and  camped  over  night.  The 


230  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

next  day  the  first  battalion,  under  command  of 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Johnson,  boarded  the  train  for  San 
Luis,  arriving  at  4:30,  and  camped  around  the  depot. 

August  i  pth  second  and  third  battalions  arrived 
in  San  Luis,  with  Colonel  Marshall  in  command, 
camping  about  one  mile  from  town  with  three  com- 
panies of  the  first  battalion,  A,  B  and  C. 

August  24th  two  companies  of  the  second  battalion, 
C  and  F,  with  Major  Jackson  in  command,  marched 
about  thirty  miles  from  San  Luis  to  Palma,  and  were 
stationed  to  do  duty  at  that  place.  Captain  R.  P. 
Root  had  command  of  Company  E,  while  Captain 
W.  B.  Akers  had  Company  F.  Colonel  Marshall,  with 
the  major  part  of  the  regiment,  remained  at  San  Luis. 
All  were  expected  to  remain  there  until  called  home. 
It  is  a  much  more  desirable  place  than  the  camp 
grounds  at  Santiago.  In  the  first  report  of  the  latter 
place  Colonel  Marshall  said : 

"I  arrived  here  with  1,195  enlisted  men  and  76 
officers.  We  have  eight  men  sick.  We  camped  on 
the  battlefield  about  two  miles  out.  Dead  Spanish 
soldiers  are  being  buried  and  burned  on  the  hill  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  us.  Others  are  buried  all 
over  the  place.  It  has  rained  ever  since  we  ar- 
rived. 

"At  San  Luis  conditions  are  completely  changed. 
The  town  is  well  governed  and  a  thorough  renovation 
of  the  city  has  resulted  from  the  reforms  instituted  by 
the  soldiers.  At  first  the  mud  and  filth  was  intoler- 
able, but  that  soon  gave  place  to  the  order  and  clean- 
liness under  the  direction  of  the  authorities.  Chlo- 
ride of  lime  was  used  extensively  and  all  garbage  was 


COURAGE  KNOWS  NO  COLOR.  23? 

burned.     The  health  of  the  men  improved  rapidly  and 
the  death  rate  has  been  remarkably  low." 

A  good  report  of  the  garrison  work  of  the  regi- 
ment is  given  by  a  New  York  correspondent  of  a  New 
York  paper.  He  said  : 

"On  arriving  here  I  found  the  Eighth  Illinois,  a  col- 
ored regiment  officered  by  colored  men  entirely.  So 
much  has  been  said  concerning  colored  men  under 
colored  officers — that  they  would  not  obey  them — I 
was  curious  to  know  how  the  experiment  would  work. 
I  secured  a  pass  from  Colonel  Wood  to  pass  the  lines 
Arriving  at  the  camp  I  asked  to  be  taken  to  the  colo- 
nel's tent.  I  found  him  an  affable,  pleasing  military 
gentleman,  unaffected  by  the  grave  responsibilities 
resting  upon  him  and  void  of  that  arrogance  assumed 
by  the  average  white  officer.  He  detailed  a  sergeant 
of  Company  A,  a  graduate  of  the  Chicago  High  School 
and  a  member  of  the  senior  class  of  the  Northwestern 
Law  School,  to  accompany  me  through  the  camp. 
The  cleanliness  of  the  hospital  tents  especially  attracted 
my  attention.  The  surgeons  in  their  snow-white  jack- 
ets were  flitting  here  and  there,  caring  for  the  inva- 
lids, administering  with  their  own  hands  medicines 
which  it  was  the  duty  of  the  nurses  to  do — something 
I  did  not  see  done  by  white  surgeons  on  board  the 
transports.  The  kitchen  arrangements  were  the  best 
I  have  seen  since  the  war  began.  Each  company  has 
a  large  porcelain  vessel  in  which  boiled  water  is  kept 
for  drinking  purposes.  Every  possible  sanitary  pre- 
caution has  been  taken  by  the  thoughtful  officers  to 
avoid  disease,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  there  are  fewer 
men  sick  in  this  than  any  other  regiment  in  the  vol- 


238  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

unteer  army.     The  guardhouse  contained  seven  men 
who  had  visited  the  canteen  too  often  or  frequently. 
In  the  tents  of  more  than  half  the  men  could  be  found 
a  Bible,  and  regardless  of  what  may  have  been  said 
to  the  contrary,  the  men  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  as  a 
rule  are  as  orderly  and  gentlemanly  as  any  'regiment 
in  the  service.     A  dress  parade  that  evening,  which 
was  ordered  in  honor  of  an  English  army  officer  vis- 
iting the  camp,  the  men  presented  a  splendid  appear- 
ance.    They  have  mastered  the  intricacies  of  the  drill. 
Their  even  military  movement  is  a  thing  of  beauty. 
Each  soldier  prides  himself  on  keeping  his  uniform 
and   equipment  bright.     The     Englishman    was    sur- 
prised when  the  captain  showed  him  that  not  a  speck 
of  dirt  adhered  to  his  white  gloves,  which  he  passed 
over  and  in  the  muzzle  of  a  soldier's  gun.     The  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  of  Chicago  has  spread 
a  tent  here,  in  which  the  boys  congregate  to  write 
home,   read  the   daily  papers,   and   play   games    (no 
cards).     They  are  healthy  and  happy.     The  man  who 
thinks  the  negro  will  not  obey  officers  of  his  race  has 
but  to  visit  the  camps  of  the  Eighth  Illinois.     There 
being  no  prejudice  here  on  account  of  a  man's  color, 
the  negro  soldier  is  treated  the  same  as  other  soldiers 
are;  in  fact,  there  seems  to  be  a  preference  on  the 
part  of  the  white  women  for  the  boys.     Some  of  them 
are   magnificent   specimens   of   manhood,   and   if  the 
provost  guard  isn't  very  strict  a  few  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois  boys  will  be  left  in  Cuba  as  the  husbands  of 
planters'  daughters." 


COURAGE  KNOWS  NO  COLOR.  239 

GLIMPSE   OF  THE   FUTURE. 

It  is  generally  conceded  that  some  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois  boys  are  in  Cuba  to  stay.  The  country  suits 
them  so  far  as  climate  is  concerned,  and  the  civil  and 
political  advantages  are  certain  to  attract  aspiring  and 
capable  colored  men.  Word  has  already  come  that 
colored  soldiers  are  making  investments.  Captain 
Waller  and  Captain  Akers  have  closed  a  deal  for  a 
coffee  farm.  One  of  the  enthusiastic  soldiers,  home 
on  a  furlough,  says: 

"The  right  kind  of  a  man  can  make  a  fortune  on 
this  island,  by  George !  The  natives  use  the  real  ma- 
hogany wood  for  kindling  fires.  The  Cuban  don't 
know  the  value  of  the  stuff.  A  man  could  make  a 
fortune  off  that  alone.  Now,  about  the  school  ques- 
tion. There  are  no  schools  at  present.  The  govern- 
ment is  making  preparations  to  start  the  schools  in 
the  near  future.  The  religion  is  strictly  Catholic.  I 
like  the  country  fine  and  in  my  estimation  it  is  just 
the  place  for  the  colored  man.  There  is  no  discrim- 
ination in  Cuba.  Everybody  looks  alike.  Many 
express  themselves  as  wanting  to  stay  here  if  they 
get  mustered  out  here.  \Vhen  Uncle  Sam  establishes 
a  government  in  Cuba  it  will  be  the  place  for  young 
lawyers,  doctors  and  professors.  They  will  have  a 
great  field  before  them.  Our  politicians  will  have  a 
chance  to  display  some  of  their  ability  and  our  min- 
isters need  not  complain.  Colored  carpenters,  black- 
smiths, bricklayers,  in  fact  all  mechanics,  can  find  em- 
ployment." 

When  the  men  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  "come  march- 
ing home"  they  will  be  greeted  like  soldiers  who  went 


240 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 


forth  to  battle  and  returned  victoriously.  They  bore 
hardships  like  soldiers,  and  although  now  and  then 
there  were  murmurs,  the  great  body  of  them  readily 
resigned  themselves  to  the  unavoidable  hardships  in 
the  field.  The  evident  decision  of  the  government  to 
keep  the  Eighth  Illinois  in  Cuba  on  garrison  duty  this 
winter  is  proof  of  its  good  behavior  and  soldierly 
qualities. — The  Chicago  Evening  Post. 


ft 

Uj 


gl 


16 


CHAPTER  IX. 
THE  MANNANA   CLUB,  AT  PALMA. 

It  has  been  mentioned  how  the  Cubans  ran  and 
hid  from  us,  i.  e.,  E  and  F  companies  when  we  first 
marched  into  Palma.  It  was  many  days  before  we 
could  get  close  enough  to  them  to  say  "buenos  dias," 
and  that  was  about  all  that  we  had  learned  to  say,  with 
the  exception  of  "adios,"  "mucho  bueneo,"  y  como, 
esta  v.  Our  commissioned  officers  did  not  like  this 
coolness  on  the  part  of  the  Cubans  and  tried  to  com- 
mingle with  them  through  the  business  element  and 
eventually  bring  in  the  social  element.  It  was  very 
amusing  sometimes  to  see  a  lieutenant  or  a  captain 
bend  almost  double  to  tip  his  headgear  and  say,  "Como 
esta  v"  to  a  bonita  senorita  standing  in  the  door  of 
her  casa.  Perhaps  the  object  of  his  politeness  would 
look  at  him  disdainfully  without  ever  opening  her  lips. 
The  officer  then  would  glance  about  to  see  if  there 
were  any  non-coms,  or  privates  in  catching-on  dis- 
tance. The  cunning  private  or  non-com,  pursued  a 
different  course.  He  made  friends  with  the  macha- 
cha  and  niiios ;  he  shared  part  of  his  scant  rations  with 
them  and  taught  them  how  to  hablar  Americano.  Of 
course,  when  this  machacha  or  machocho  returned  to 
his  casa  he  boasted  of  being  in  the  Americano's  camp 
and  told  about  the  Americano  soldier's  kindness. 


244  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS:' 

Then  the  larger  sisters  and  the  mother  would  like 
to  see  that  "mucho  bueno  soldier,"  and  it  would  not 
be  long  before  the  little  machacha  would  have  the 
soldier  by  the  hand  piloting  him  to  his  mother's  shack 
or  hut.  This  occurred  so  frequently  that  it  was  not 
long  before  a  soldier  could  be  seen  in  nearly  any 
casa  in  Palma.  This  familiarity  was  not  long  in  lead- 
ing the  non-com. "s  of  both  companes  into  organizing 
a  club  known  as  the  Mannana  Club."  Captain  R.  R. 
Root  of  Company  E  was  post  commander  at  Palma 
at  this  time,  which  was  about  two  weeks  from  Christ- 
mas. He  called  both  companies  together  one  after- 
noon and  told  us  that  we  had  behaved  very  good  in 
the  past,  had  given  him  very  little  trouble  if  any  at 
all,  and  as  we  were  absent  from  our  respective  family 
circles  at  home  he  would  do  all  he  could  toward  let- 
ting us  have  a  nice  time  and  grant  us  the  privilege 
of  the  town  during  the  holidays ;  but  every  soldier  that 
got  drunk  and  disorderly  would  be  severely  dealt  with. 
He  stated  that  he  wanted  us  to  have  a  good  time,  but 
did  not  want  us  to  act  in  any  way  disrespectful. 
When  Christmas  came  we  were  excused  from  all  duty 
except  standing  guard. 

On  Christmas  night  the  Mannana  Club  gave  a  big 
ball.  It  was  free  for  everybody,  the  Cubans  and  Span- 
iards alike.  It  was  a  grand  affair. and  the  best  ele- 
ment of  the  town  was  there.  It  was  nearly  twelve 
o'clock  before  we  could  induce  the  Cuban  and  Spanish 
girls  to  dance  with  us.  They  were  timid.  They 
thought  us  so  grand  and  progressive  that  we  would 
laugh  at  their  old  style  of  waltzing.  Finally  we  in- 
duced two  Spanish  girls  to  waltz,  which  drew  the 


THE  M.I  XX  AX  A  CLUB  AT  PALM  A.  245 

others  out  until  there  was  not  space  enough  in  two 
large  rooms  to  dance  good.  We  had  plenty  to  eat 
and  drink,  such  as  it  was.  They  danced  until  ten 
o'clock  the  next  day.  Every  member  wore  a  rosette 
made  by  the  girls  and  each  man  was  attired  in  soldier 
blue,  while  nearly  all  of  the  senoritas  were  dressed  in 
pure  white  with  their  long  black  tresses  falling  loosely 
about  their  shoulders.  The  Mafinana  ball  was  the 
talk  of  the  town.  Everywhere  it  was  Marmana. 

There  was  a  feeling  created  by  this  club  that  it  will 
require  some  time  to  dissipate.  On  one  occasion  after 
this  it  was  reported  that  the  soldiers  were  to  be  re- 
moved from  the  town  to  the  outlying  hills.  To  this 
the  Cubans  protested  and  the  leading  business  men 
and  citizens  of  Palma  signed  a  petition  to  send  to  the 
general  asking  to  have  us  remain  in  town.  This 
effort  on  the  part  of  the  citizens  had  the  desired  effect, 
but  a  few  days  later  news  came  that  our  regiment  was 
ordered  to  be  in  the  States  by  the  2Oth  of  March. 
From  time  to  time  thereafter  there  were  black  dis- 
patches arriving  from  Santiago  or  San  Luis  every 
week.  By  this  time  we  were  beginning  to  think  that 
there  was  no  more  true  news  to  be  had  from  the 
States.  Yet  what  meager  information  we  did  receive 
had  a  tendency  to  buoy  us  up,  for  every  day  the  sol- 
diers were  asked  when  they  expected  to  "vamoose" 
to  America.  The  answer  would  invariably  be  in  a 
few  days,  for  we  thought  we  were  sure  to  start  for 
home.  Under  this  suspense  we  went  about  doing  gar- 
rison duty  until  the  final  order  came. 

While  E  and  F  companies,  through  the  Mannana 
Club,  was  Americanizing  Palma,  the  other  members. 


246 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 


in  San  Luis  were  making  the  best  of  their  opportuni- 
ties by  having  small  concerts  and  minstrel  shows, 
which  would  carry  the  Cubans  away  in  wonderment 
and  rapture. 

The  superior  officers  indulged  the  men  in  these 
fetes  as  long  as  good  behavior  was  assured.  Thus 
many  a  beautiful  moonlit  night  was  whiled  away 
pleasantly  in  far-away  Cuba,  which  otherwise  might 
have  been  dull  and  lonely. 


CO 

O 


tsf- 


CAPT.  JORDON  CHAVIS, 
Chaplain   Eighth   Illinois    Volunteer   Regiment. 


CHAPTER  X. 

RELIGION  IN  THE  EIGHTH. 

It  is  an  undeniable  fact,  which  reflects  great  credit 
on  the  members  of  the  Eighth  Regiment,  that  there 
were  many  Christians  in  its  ranks.  It  was  a  grand 
spectacle  to  see  men  of  all  creeds  and  denominations 
sitting  together  under  an  improvised  palm-covered 
"place  of  worship."  It  could  hardly  be  called  a 
church,  for  there  were  no  sides  nor  ends  to  the 
structure ;  yet  those  God-fearing  men  and  liberty-- 
loving citizens  congregated  on  those  balmy  Sabbath 
mornings  and  repeated  to  one  another  the  sayings 
of  the  ancients :  "Come,  let  us  go  into  the  house  of 
the  Lord."  There  in  that  little  army  tabernacle  the 
sons  of  Illinois  would  listen  to  the  cheering  words  and 
admonitions  expounded  by  the  chaplain,  Jordan  Cha- 
vis.  The  sweet  notes  and  sounds  of  martial  music 
died  away  across  the  native  canefields.  The  sound 
of  the  regimental  orchestra  could  be  heard  far  away 
into  the  mountains,  echoing  and  reverberating,  while 
from  palm  top  to  palm  top  flitted  the  little  tropical 
songster,  warbling  its  sweet  note  of  joy  and  freedom 
to  its  mate. 

The  soldiers'  countenances  were  more  lively  and 
brighter  on  these  mornings,  their  clothes  were  neatly 
cleaned,  their  shoes  shined  and  hair  combed,  and 

249 


250  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

some  even  discarded  the  army  blue  flannel  shirt,  don- 
ning one  of  fancy  colors,  or  a  "starched  front,"  as 
they  termed  it.  Thus  they  did  homage  to  God.  This 
•was  their  religious  pride  and  thus  was  the  Sabbath 
observed  by  the  Eighth  Illinois. 

DENOMINATIONS. 

If  anyone  should  ask  a  soldier  to  what  church  he 
belonged,  his  answer  would  be,  "Christ's  Church," 
and  yet  there  were  five  denominations  represented  in 
the  regiment,  viz. :  African  Methodist  Episcopal,  Pres- 
byterian, Baptist  and  Catholic.  Those  who  professed 
Christianity  in  the  regiment  were  divided  among  the 
different  companies  numerically  as  follows :  Company 
A,  8 ;  Company  B,  3 ;  Company  C,  13 ;  Company  D, 
8 ;  Company  E,  19 ;  Company  F,  1 1  ;  Company  G, 
15;  Company  H,  25;  Company  I,  5;  Company  K,  9; 
Company  L.  12;  Company  M,  16. 

Herewith  by  companies  are  given  the  names  of 
those  who  were  members  of  the  various  denomina- 
tions : 

Company  A — Wade  Harper,  Robert  Jarvis,  Thomas 
Moody,  Isaac  Hayden,  Richard  Sandford,  William 
Murry,  Moses  Reynolds,  Warren  Dorsey. 

Company  B — Robert  Howard,  Jefferson  Davis, 
Frank  Tolbert. 

Company  C — Chas.  F.  White,  Clarence  Hubbard, 
William  Luckey,  John  Thomas,  Cap.  Hadley,  Walter 
Thomas,  Bolden  Smith,  Alex.  Reeves,  Wm.  A.  An- 
derson, Louis  Bergamine,  W.  R.  Harris,  Walter 
Mitchell,  R.  W.  Westberg. 

Company  D — Chas.  J.  Ross,  W.  G.  Grayton,  Chas. 


RELIGION  IN  THE  EIGHTH.  251 

M.  Turner,  Clarence  Stewart,  Eugene  Caldwell,  Rob- 
ert L.  Froutman,  Hartie  Jackson,  Chas.  J.  Johnson. 

Company  E — Burton  White,  Egbert  R.  Williams, 
Bird  Collins,  Watt  Sanders,  Edward  Kandy,  John 
Toles,  John  C.  Lee,  Edward  D.  Barber,  Freddie 
Yound,  Jesse  M.  Dexter,  Erven  Meekans,  Burt  Cha- 
-vies,  Chas.  Supthen,  George  McConnell,  Lee  Williams. 
Thomas  Gray,  C.  H.  Harper,  O.  Dell  Smith. 

Company  F — Jarriot  McLamore,  I.  P.  Stewart,  Mo- 
ses J.  C.  Nunn,  Joel  Brown  Lafayette  Tayborne,  Fred- 
erick Blakes,  J.  McGowen,  Geo.  W.  Bryant,  Geo.  L. 
Patterson,  Wm.  H.  Corey,  Wesley  Foster. 

Company  G — Noble  Wight,  Robt.  Hays,  Regil  Mc- 
Donald, Bland  Brown,  Chas.  Anderson,  A.  M.  Fraes, 
James  A.  Patton,  John  Dunn,  Wm.  E.  Shields,  David 
H.  Moor,  Chas.  E.  Morton,  Wm.  P.  Crouse,  Samuel 
Sublet,  Mike  Turner,  Walter  Williams. 

Company  H — Noah  Williams,  Geo.  Harris,  Chas. 
E.  Hatcher,  Joseph  Edwards,  Geo.  G.  Beard,  Chas. 
Rose,  Frank  Burns,  Berry  Rickets,  Henry  Miller, 
David  Giles,  Wm.  Tanner,  Walter  Burks,  W.  L.  King, 
W.  J.  Smith,  James  Webb,  Amos  Meridith,  James  San- 
ders, Alex.  Washington,  A.  D.  Johnson,  Wm.  York, 
Wm.  Pollard,  Wm.  Pettit,  Robt.  Hall. 

Company  I — Chas.  Plummer,  H.  M.  Burrel,  John 
Gloves,  Samuel  Critchfield,  William  Washington. 

Company  K — Newton  McKane,  C.  M.  Owens, 
Henry  Bowers,  Joel  Curtis,  John  North,  William 
Johnson,  Edward  Cofield,  T.  T.  Smith,  Chester 
Cooper. 

Company  L — George  Brown,  William  Noble,  Henry 
Avens,  Alfred  Hays,  George  McCreery,  Harmon 


252  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Thomas,  Felix  Daley,  Louis  Walters,  William  Moore, 
Robt.  Edwards,  Thos.  Dunning,  Berry  Holland,  Sam 
Houghman. 

Company  M — J.  W.  Moss,  C.  H.  Lane,  Chas.  Trus- 
lark,  W.  M.  Btickner,  William  Mitchell,  Frank  Neal, 
J.  A.  Wilson,  Delacy  Combs,  J.  J.  Phinisee,  Major 
Wilford,  Samuel  Phillip,  Hezekiah  Cook,  Isaac  C. 
Dillard,  John  Moppins,  George  Wade,  Wiley  Fultz. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  those  who  were  converted 
to  Christianity  while  the  regiment  was  in  Cuba : 

Corporal  Frank  Burns,  Company  H ;  Corporal  Chas. 
Rose,  Company  H ;  Corporal  Luther  King,  Company 
H ;  Private  Robert  Washington,  Company  H ;  Pri- 
vate A.  D.  Johnson,  Company  H ;  Private  William 
York,  Company  H ;  Private  William  Pollard,  Com- 
pany H ;  Private  William  Pettit.  Company  H ;  Private 
Robt.  Hall,  Company  H ;  Private  Elmer  Pellington, 
Company  H  ;  Private  Samuel  Subitts,  Company  G ; 
Private  John  Moppins,  Company  M  ;  Private  George 
Wade,  Company  M ;  Private  Johnnie  Harrison,  Com- 
pany I ;  Private  William  Coston,  Private  Edward  Lee, 
Company  H ;  Private  Evert  Thomas,  Company  G ; 
Private  William  Diamond,  Company  I ;  Private  Will- 
iam Prunden,  Company  D  ;  Private  Edward  Adams, 
Company  L ;  Private  George  Curtis,  Company  A ; 
Private  Eugene  Caldwell,  Company  D. 

The  members  baptized  while  in  Cuba  were  the  fol- 
lowing: 

October  30,  1898 :  Elmer  Pellington,  Company  K ; 
Corporal  Frank  Burns,  Company  H  ;  A.  D.  Johnson, 
Company  H ;  Johnnie  Harrison,  Company  I ;  C.  E. 
Hatcher,  Company  H ;  George  Wade,  Company  M ; 


RELIGION  IN  THE  EIGHTH.  253 

John  Moppins,  Company  M ;  William  Diamond,  Com- 
pany I ;  Edward  Lee,  Company  K ;  William  Pruden, 
Company  D ;  Evert  Thomas,  Company  G ;  Samuel 
Sublet,  Company  G. 

OUR  FIRST  SUNDAY  SCHOOL  IN  CUBA. 
At  San  Luis  de  Cuba,  on  October  23,  1898,  the 
Christian  young  men  of  the  Eighth  met  in  the  chapel 
tent  and  organized  a  Sunday  School.  Noah  Williams 
acted  as  chairman  pro  tem.  After  calling  the  meet- 
ing to  order  teachers  were  elected  and  the  Sunday 
School  had  its  first  lesson.  When  the  men  had  fin- 
ished their  lessons  they  formed  a  permanent  organi- 
zation. Officers  and  teachers  were  elected  as  follows : 
Noah  W.  Thomas,  superintendent ;  Corporal  Wm. 
Luckey,  assistant  superintendent ;  Denis  Farro,  sec- 
retary ;  Corporal  Wm.  Farmer,  Sergeant  J.  W.  Moos 
and  Private  Amos  Merideth  were  elected  as  teachers. 
Hence  we  had  a  Sabbath  School  and  Scriptural  read- 
ing while  in  the  army. 

CHRISTIAN   ENDEAVOR  IN  THE   EIGHTH. 

At  San  Luis  de  Cuba,  on  October  25,  1898,  a  num- 
ber of  the  young  Christian  members  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois  Regiment  met  at  the  non-commissioned  offi- 
cers' tent  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  branch  of 
the  Society  of  Christian  Endeavor  in  the  regiment. 
Corporal  John  Thomas  of  Company  C  acted  as  chair- 
man. He,  after  calling  the  meeting  to  order,  made 
a  brief  speech,  the  substance  of  which  was  the  neces- 
sity of  Christian  endeavor.  His  words  were  full  of 
spirit  and  encouragement.  Following  his  speech  a 
permanent  organization  was  effected. 


254  "THE    EIGHTH   ILLINOIS.'' 

The  officers  elected  were  as  follows:  Sergeant  J.  W. 
Moos,  president ;  Corporal  Wm.  Luckey,  vice-presi- 
dent ;  Corporal  Clarence  Howard,  secretary ;  Corporal 
Chas.  F.  White,  corresponding  secretary ;  Private 
Noah  W.  Williams,  treasurer,  and  Corporal  R.  W. 
Westberry,  librarian. 

Chaplain  Jordon  Chavis  was  present  and  made  a 
few  interesting  remarks  indorsing  the  organization 
and  proffered  his  services  and  support.  The  first 
Christian  Endeavor  meeting  in  the  Eighth  then  ad- 
journed. 
THE  FIRST  CHURCH  OF  THE  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS. 

The  first  religious  services  the  regiment  held  were 
at  Camp  Tanner,  Sunday  morning,  July  3,  1898,  at 
ten  o'clock.  The  chaplain's  pulpit  was  fixed  at  the 
root  of  a  large  tree,  he  standing  in  the  shade  of  its 
boughs.  The  few  ladies  present  who  had  come  out 
from  town  were  provided  with  as  many  small  boxes 
as  we  could  find.  They,  too,  sat  under  the  shade  of 
this  church  tree  until  Old  Sol  sneakingly  removed 
the  canopy.  The  seats  for  the  soldiers  was  Mother 
Earth's  green  carpet,  the  canopy  over  their  heads  was 
the  cloudless  summer  sky  of  bright  azure  blue.  No 
one  need  say  that  it  was  balmy  or  pleasantly  cool 
upon  that  July  morning  for  us  to  sit  or  lay  on  the 
grass,  as  we  chose,  but  our  captains  had  ordered  their 
first  sergeants  to  form  the  companies  in  order  to  at- 
tend services.  The  bugle  had  sounded  the  "church 
call."  Its  echo  we  could  hear  reverberating  back 
from  the  old  dome  building.  It  was  God's  duty  "call." 
It  was  ours  to  obey.  Neither  sunshine  nor  rain  should 
prevent  a  soldier  performing  his  duty. 


RELIGIOX  7.V  THE  EIGHTH.  255 

Our  first  sermon  was  preached  by  Rev.  J.  W. 
Thomas,  pastor  of  the  Olivet  Baptist  Church,  Chi- 
cago, 111.  Elder  Thomas  was  the  chaplain  of  the 
Ninth  Battalion,  and  so  interested  was  he  in  our  call- 
ing that  he  followed  us,  "Ruth  like/'  and  would  not 
be  separated  from  us  until  Uncle  Sam's  mustering 
officer  pronounced  us  soldiers  of  a  volunteer  army. 
After  explaining  his  text  and  expounding  the  teach- 
ings thereof,  the  Rev.  Thomas  referred  to  the  im- 
portance of  our  mission.  He  told  us  that  we  were 
on  the  eve  of  leaving  home,  love  and  kindred,  going 
thousands  of  miles  from  home  and  comfort,  to  do 
battle  against  a  foreign  foe  and  to  fight  against  the 
dreaded  fevers,  pestilences  and  deprivations.  He  told 
us  that  there  would  be  many  a  time  when  there  would 
not  be  a  loving  mother  or  an  affectionate  sister  or 
wife  near  by  to  caress,  to  moisten  the  fever  parched 
brow  of  a  dying  son  of  Illinois.  But  fervent  prayers 
from  fond  hearts,  true  hearts,  would  go  out  after  us. 

"Not  all  of  you  are  going  to  come  back,"  he  said, 
"but  the  cause  for  which  you  go  is  honorable  and 
noble.  Let  us  sing  'God  be  with  you  till  we  meet 
again.'  " 

After  we  were  at  Camp  Tanner  about  three  weeks 
a  violent  electrical  storm  (occurred.  It  was  on  a 
Wednesday  night.  The  bugles  had  just  blown  "taps." 
The  men  were  closed  in  their  tents  for  the  night,  many 
of  them  speaking  in  undertones  of  the  doings  of  the 
past  day.  "Lights  out !"  came  the  command  of  the 
sergeant  of  the  guard.  "Lights  out!"  and  on  he  went 
through  the  companys'  streets,  and  ere  the  echo  of 
his  voice  died  away  the  wind  and  rain  were  upon  us. 


256  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

Without  a  moment's  warning  tents  and  contents  were 
flying  through  the  midnight  air.  But  the  most  ir- 
reparable damage  done  that  night  was  the  dismantling 
of  our  church  tree  by  the  wind.  The  entire  bushy 
top  was  twisted  off. 

The  next  Sunday  church  services  were  held  in  the 
grand  stand  of  the  fair  grounds.  The  Eighth  had 
their  services  in  morning  and  the  Ninth  held  theirs 
in  the  same  place  in  the  afternoon.  The  boys  of  the 
Ninth  came  to  our  meetings  and  we  attended  theirs  in 
good  numbers.  There  was  no  color  line.  We  were  all 
Christians ;  we  were  all  soldiers  and  of  the  same  army. 
OUR  CHURCH  IN  CUBA. 

"Come,  let  us  build  a  house  for  the  Lord,"  saith  the 
prophet.  "Come,  let  us  build  a  house  of  worship," 
saith  Chaplain  Chavis  of  the  Eighth,  and  it  was  not 
long  before  there  was  a  Cuban  house  builder  erecting 
a  little  palm-covered  church.  It  was  a  queer  looking 
church,  but  it  was  a  place  of  worship.  Many  a  soul 
was  converted  and  brought  to  Christ  under  its  with- 
ered, palm-leaved  roof.  The  Cuban  house  builder 
wanted  money  to  build  this  house,  and  he  got  it.  The 
chaplain  simply  told  the  different  companies  he  wanted 
money  to  pay  "for  our  church,"  and  what  follows  was 

the  result: 

DONATIONS. 

Company  A — McTerson,  2$c : ;  A.  Farmer,  $i  ;  T. 
Dabney,  2$c. ;  A.  S.  Boldon,  5oc. ;  J.  R.  Jackson,  2$c. : 
E.  J.  Smith,  25c. ;  Corporal  Josephs,  2$c. ;  G.  S.  Mc- 
Fadden,  2$c. ;  total,  $3. 

Company  B — Corporal  J.  Kurd,  2$c. ;  J.  S.  McTer- 
rin,  25c. ;  Sergeant  S.  E.  Leander,  2$c. ;  J.  Dolahay, 


RELIC  I  OX  IX  THE  EIGHTH.  257 

250. ;  M.  Williams,  250. ;  Corporal  W.  E.  Jones,  250. ; 
Corporal  W.  S.  Settles,  250. ;  W.  B.  Button,  250. , 
Captain  Adolph  Thomas,  500. ;  First  Sergeant  D.  B 
Davis,  250. ;  William  More,  250. ;  Corporal  Thomas, 
250. ;  Sergeant  T.  F.  Tyler,  250. ;  Corporal  J.  Lowe, 
250. ;  Corporal  W.  M.  Webster,  250. ;  Sergeant  A.  W. 
Guly,  500. ;  J.  Dorr,  250. ;  R.  H.  Dorn,  250. ;  J.  Terry, 
250. ;  G.  Young,  250. ;  W.  Wilson,  500. ;  R.  B.  Tracy, 
500. ;  C.  Edwards,  250. ;  Sergeant  Anderson,  500. ; 
total,  $7.75. 

Company  C — Captain  C.  S.  Hunt,  $i  ;  Artf.  J.  S. 
Shreeves,  250. ;  Grant  White,  250. ;  A.  H.  Johnston, 
$i ;  William  Anderson,  500. ;  A.  Brown,  250. ;  Wm.  E. 
Berry,  500. ;  Corporal  W.  S.  Luckey,  500. ;  Corporal 
C.  F.  White,  500. ;  Corporal  R.  W.  Wesberry,  $i  ; 
Corporal  J.  T.  Thomas,  500. ;  Corporal  J.  H.  Luckey, 
75c. ;  Sergeant  J.  Butler,  $i  ;  Corporal  C.  E.  How- 
ard, 5oc. ;  Corporal  W.  L.  Brown,  25c. ;  Corporal  C. 
Kenner,  5oc. ;  Corporal  A.  D.  Jackson,  25c. ;  S.  John- 
son, 25c. ;  A.  Hoderson,  25c. ;  Earl  Henry,  5oc. ;  Chas. 
May,  25c. ;  S.  Reed,  25c. ;  Mus.  W.  M.  Turner,  25c. ; 
First  Lieutenant  John  Shreeves,  5oc. ;  total,  $13.80. 

Company  D — Sergeant  Hopkins,  25c. ;  Sergeant  B. 
Punpney,  25c. ;  C.  S.  Williams,  25c. ;  Pitman  Farmer, 
25c. ;  Jas.  Banks,  25c. ;  Chas.  Page,  25c. ;  H.  Burnes, 
25c.;  total,  $1.75. 

Company  G — Virgil  McDonald,  25c. ;  H.  C.  Wil- 
son, 25c. ;  Sam  White,  25c. ;  W.  S.  Smith,  25c. ;  W. 
P.  Grouse,  25c. ;  C.  H.  Clasco,  25c. ;  H.  S.  Roberts, 
25c. ;  C.  C.  Early,  5oc. ;  Sergeant  I.  O.  Gury,  85c. ; 
Wrm.  Bryant,  5oc. ;  Sherley  Belle,  5oc. ;  total,  $3.85. 

Company  H — Captain  W.  D.  Hodge,  $i  ;  Corporal 
17 


258  -THE    EIGHTH    ILLINOIS'' 

Evert  Watts,  250. ;  Corporal  King,  250. ;  A.  D.  John- 
son, 250. ;  B.  F.  Richerts,  250. ;  Frank  Burns,  250. ; 
Corporal  Wm.  H.  Farmer,  250. ;  total,  $2.50. 

Company  I — First  Lieutenant  W.  A.  Dallas,  250. ; 
First  Sergeant  Chas.  S.  S.  Morris,  250. ;  Sergeant 
Chas.  O.  Robinson,  250. ;  Sergeant  C.  A.  Petterson, 
250. ;  Sergeant  Wm.  W.  Perkins,  250. ;  Corporal  Her- 
bert Williams,  250. ;  A.  S.  Hecks,  250. ;  Robt.  Penix, 
250.;  total,  $2. 

Company  L — Captain  J.  V.  Lane,  $5.50;  Lieutenant 

A.  Williams,  250. ;  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Laten,  250. ;  J. 
T.  Loyd,  250. ;  F.  Duning,  250. ;  W.  Beaver,  250. ;  W. 
E.    Constant,   250. ;    J.    Kimball,   250. ;    Corporal   T. 
Dalby,  250. ;  Jesse  Jones,  250. ;  John  White,  250. ;  Ser- 
geant T.  Syms,  250. ;  Corporal  W.  Moore,  250. ;  Geo. 
G.  Anderson,  250. ;  Mus.  J.  D.  Allen,  250. ;  Corporal 

B.  Hollins,   250.;   James   M.    Roberson,   250.;   total, 
$10.25. 

Company  M — Sergeant  E.  Truelock,  250. ;  Sergeant 
J.  W.  Moss,  250. ;  Corporal  Ben  Shankley,  250. ;  M. 
Wilerford,  250. ;  J.  H.  Morton,  250. ;  J.  S.  Scraggs, 
250. ;  J.  D.  Fields,  250. ;  W.  M.  Buckner,  250. ;  Wm. 
Dupree,  250. ;  Frank  Neusom,  250. ;  total,  $3. 

The  Band  Boys — Addison  Robinson,  Walter  Pal- 
lerson,  John  Hunter,  Clarence  Boarmen,  Chas.  Will- 
iams, Curtis  Raimon,  William  Reece,  John  Crawford, 
Roscar  Holt,  Morris  Cobb,  Earl  Franklin;  total,  $3. 

Summary  by  Companies — Company  A,  $3 ;  Com- 
pany B,  $7.75;  Company  C,  $13.80;  Company  D, 
$1.75;  Company'G,  $3.85;  Company  H,  $2.50;  Com- 
pany I,  $2;  Company  K,  -  — ;  Company  L,  $10.25; 
Companv  M,  $3 ;  Band,  $3 ;  total,  $50.90. 


RELIGION  IN  THE  EIGHTH.  259 

The  reader  will  notice  that  there  are  three  compa- 
nies omitted  in  the  tabular  list,  viz. :  Companies  E,  F 
and  K.  Company  K  at  that  time  was  at  Creausau's 
sugar  mill  doing  special  guard  duty.  When  the  Span- 
iards were  in  possession  in  and  around  San  Luis  old 
Creausau  was  a  Spanish  sympathizer,  but  when  Gen- 
eral Torel  surrendered  Santiago,  seeing  the  Spanish 
cause  hopelessly  abandoned  and  the  Americans  tak- 
ing full  control,  Creausau  called  himself  a  Frenchman 
and  hoisted  a  French  flag  over  his  house  and  sugar 
mill  in  order  to  obtain  American  protection — a  ruse 
to  forestall  Cuban  vengeance. 

It  being  the  duty  of  the  American  soldiers  to  pro- 
tect the  life  and  property  of  all  citizens  of  other  coun- 
tries while  Uncle  Sam  was  in  control,  Company  K  was 
selected  to  camp  at  the  sugar  mill  and  do  guard  duty. 
The  Cubans  were  anxious  to  burn  this  plant.  Upon 
information  I  learn  they  succeeded  in  their  desires 
after  the  Eighth  left  Cuba.  For  these  reasons  Com- 
pany K  was  detailed  from  the  regiment  by  the  colonel 
on  detached  guard  duty  and  therefore  is  not  men- 
tioned in  the  donations.  Companies  E  and  F  were 
not  mentioned  therein  because  they  were  on  detached 
service  twenty-three  miles  away,  at  Palma  Soriano 
de  Cuba,  Military  Post  No.  I. 

MARRIAGES  IN  CUBA. 

At  Palma :  Corporals  Chas.  Lindsay  and  Arthur 
Thompson  of  Company  F,  October  29,  1898,  by  the 
alcalde  and  Captain  Akers ;  Private  James  Frazier  of 
Company  F,  November  25,  1898,  by  the  alcalde  and 
First  Lieutenant  Clinton  L.  Hill  of  Company  F ; 
Bugler  William  L.  Scott,  Company  F,  December  31, 


260  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

1898,  by  the  alcalde  and  Captain  Akers ;  Theo.  W. 
Hawkins,  sergeant  of  Company  F,  January  6,  1899, 
to  Manuella  Perez  of  Jamaica ;  married  by  the  alcalde. 
The  number  of  weddings  of  the  soldiers  in  Palma  in 
five  months  were  five,  and  all  of  Company  F. 

At  San  Luis :  Archie  Farmer  to  Louisa  Lieva,  by 
chaplain,  January  16,  1899;  Henry  Wilson  to  Mar- 
garette  Caztillo,  by  chaplain,  January  17,  1899;  Will- 
iam Tutt  to  Petronila  Romio,  by  chaplain,  January 
18,  1899.  The  total  number  of  soldiers  married  in 
Cuba  were  eight. 

SICKNESS  AND  DEATH. 

There  were  only  three  companies  that  were  not  vis- 
ited by  the  monster,  "Death."  Company  B  losing  five 
members,  heads  the  list  on  death's  claim.  There  was 
one  sick  soldier*  left  in  Santiago.  He  was  too  sick 
to  be  brought  home.  He,  too,  died.  This  brings 
the  total  number  of  deaths  in  the  regiment  up  to 
twenty  (20).  Is  that  not  a  grand  showing  for  the 
Eighth  Illinois?  Traveling  nearly  six  thousand  miles, 
through  rain  and  sunshine,  from  the  chilly  breezes  of 
the  north  temperate  zone  to  the  scorching  rays  of 
tropical  sun ;  braving  the  hardships  and  deprivations 
of  war,  the  dangers  of  pestilence  and  fevers  and  the 
trying  changes  of  the  rainy  and  dry  season.  For 
seven  long  months  did  they  endure  those  vicissitudes 
in  Cuba,  and  after  the  absence  of  nine  weary  months, 
months  of  trials  and  experiments,  of  history  making 
for  the  colored  race,  the  Eighth  Illinois  returned  back 
to  her  mother  state  almost  intact,  leaving  only  twenty 
souls  sleeping  in  a  soldier's  grave — "Dead  but  not 
forgotten." 


RELIGION  IN  THE  EIGHTH. 


263 


—                                             aS                 03 
>-i                                            jo                Xi 

6 
B 

S3 

s 

2p33B333331j333^3w'33 

O,                                     '73             "5 

CC                                                Pi                 CM 

)LUNTEER  INFANTRY 

Cause.  . 

3 

3 
O 
c3  ^  qj  t*j                      4_>       o3             t», 

s 

y  an  unknown. 

o 

C/5 

0 

•a 

**  t3  2  "^"^  w  t^oJ^-H  i^  ~*  ^«  cTt^^i--  1>  CQ*G 

cc 

-t- 

g 
13 

!!!|pSll|IIH!ll|| 

o 
o 

ijj'3 

a 

03 
D 

a>  3 

ffi 

a 

ggg^gggggx?ggg^2S 

0 

w 

W 

W 

££^&g4gg|£gSg££il 

on  stree 
Killed  b 

ffi 
H 

CO 

o 

0 

•a 

CO 

3 

e  a 

2s 

-ixvaa 

Name. 

:    ;    ;  3    ;  §    ;  a    :    ;  2    '.  ,5    :    :  »,'  =*>  :  ~ 

Ii:jl|i||l!llli^lt! 

*  Died  at  hospital, 
{Shot  himself  acci 

CHAPTER    XL 
IN  A  FOREIGN  PRISON. 

It  would  hardly  be  probable  that  every  member  of 
the  Eighth  Illinois  was  fortunate  enough  to  escape 
imprisonment ;  neither  was  it  true.  The  military  regu- 
lations are  very  strict  and  the  soldier  that  passes  nine 
months  without  violating  any  law  is  indeed  lucky. 
When  the  Eighth  Illinois  was  ordered  home  there 
were  a  few  of  her  boys  confined  in  Moro  Castle  and 
in  the  military  prison  in  Santiago.  An  effort  was 
made  to  bring  the  regiment  home  intact,  but  it  could 
not  be  done.  An  occurrence  of  our  departure  was 
a  sad  scene,  one  pathetic  in  the  extreme.  The  Sedg- 
wick  was  steaming  slowly  out  of  Santiago  Bay  headed 
toward  the  Windward  Passage  and  the  Caribbean  Sea. 
It  was  about  seven  o'clock.  The  torrid  sun  was  al- 
ready throwing  its  tropical  heat  upon  our  heads. 
The  decks  of  the  transport  swarmed  with  the  soldiers 
of  the  Eighth  Illinois.  We  were  standing  in  groups 
gazing  perhaps  for  the  last  time  at  San  Juan  Hill,  bid- 
ding farewell  to  the  verdant  hills  of  Cuba.  We  were 
coming  home. 

On  nearing  the  entrance  of  the  bay  old  Moro 
Castle  appeared  in  view,  still  sullen  and  defiant.  In 
her  dark  and  dismal  cells  were  many  prisoners  who 
had  been  proud,  brave  soldiers  of  America.  Some 

264 


l.\  A  FOREIGN  PRISON.  205 

of  these  prisoners  were  once  members  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois,  and  when  our  steamer  glided  abreast  of  the 
castle  there  came  the  faint  "Good-by,  boys/'  from 
the  top  of  Moro  Castle.  Then  a  resounding  cry  rent 
the  air  from  the  boys  on  the  Sedgwick,  yelling  at 
the  tops  of  their  voices,  so  that  the  sound  would  reach 
the  top  of  the  Castle,  "Good-by,  Hill ;  good-by,  Mar- 
shall ;  good-by,  Gilliam  and  Brigget."  Poor  fellows. 
I  bet  they  wished  they  were  on  the  vessel  with  us 
going  home.  I  saw  stout-hearted  men  who  could 
brave  most  anything,  when  those  poor  prisoners  yelled 
good-by  and  farewell  till  their  voices  died  away  on 
the  breeze  of  the  Caribbean  Sea,  turn  their  faces  from 
their  comrades,  while  tears  stole  down  their  cheeks 
and  fell  upon  the  deck. 

Looking  up  to  the  top  of  the  castle  we  saw  Will 
Hill,  who  at  one  time  was  the  right  guide  of  the  regi- 
ment and  a  proud  sergeant  of  Company  A,  standing 
higher  up  on  the  castle  than  all  the  rest  of  the  prison- 
ers and  sentries.  "Good-by,  boys ;  good-by,  com- 
rades," he  cried.  Then  his  bosom  heaved.  His  proud 
heart  was  touched  with  the  thought  of  being  a  prisoner 
in  a  foreign  land.  His  voice  ceased  to  cry  after  the 
Eighth.  He  stood  there  for  a  few  moments,  then  he 
placed  the  handkerchief  he  -had  been  waving  to  his 
face  to  wipe  away  the  burning  tears  that  had  bedimmed 
his  eyes.  We  had  now  reached  the  Windward  Passage 
and  our  brave  old  ship  was  making  for  the  open  sea. 
Looking  back  we  yet  could  see  the  almost  invisible 
forms  of  those  poor,  dejected  fellows  in  a  foreign 
prison — old  Moro. 

About  nine  o'clock  we  were  being  tossed  by  the 


266  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS:' 

dashing  waves  of  the  Caribbean  Sea.  Presently  Cape 
Mais  was  rounded,  when  Moro  Castle,  its  prison  walls 
and  the  ill-fated  comrades  of  the  Eighth  were  lost  to 
our  gaze. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  those  who  were  left  in 
Cuba  prisoners :  Peyton  W.  Randolph,  Company  F ; 
William  J.  Hill,  Company  A ;  John  Hyde,  Company 
F ;  Taylor  Tucker,  Company  A ;  Henry  Gilliam,  Com- 
pany I ;  John  Smith,  Company  A ;  Clifton  Brigget, 
Those  who  were  discharged  and  remained  in  Santiago 
were  Sergeant  Julius  Johnson,  Company  E;  James 
Moore,  Company  F,  who  was  an  orderly  to  General 
Wood,  and  Frank  Piegman,  Company  A,  who  was 
General  Ewer's  orderly. 

The  accompanying  interesting  letter  was  received 
by  the  author  from  one  of  the  members  of  the  Eighth 
Regiment  who  was  a  prisoner  in  Moro  Castle  when 
the  regiment  left  Cuba: 
Corporal  Goode. 

Dear  Comrade: — On  my  return  home  I  heard  of 
your  book  about  the  Eighth  Illinois  that  you  were 
going  to  publish.  I  thought  I  would  give  you  a  few 
facts  regarding  a  part  of  my  experience  while  a  mili- 
tary prisoner.  I  was  arrested  October  23,  1898,  for 
disobedience  of  orders.  I  was  incarcerated  forty- 
three  days  before  I  had  my  trial.  Then  it  was  sixteen 
days  longer  before  the  verdict  came,  which  made  a 
total  of  fifty-nine  days  before  my  sentence  began. 
During  that  time  I  experienced  much  trouble.  I 
was  spread-eagled  for  one  hour  and  fifteen  minutes. 
That  is  the  severest  punishment  which  is  meted  out 
to  a  prisoner  in  the  army:  To  be  spread-eayled  is  this: 


7.V  A  FOREIGN  PRISON.  26? 

They  put  a  pole  seven  feet  long  across  my  shoulders, 
then  my  arms  were  stretched  out  as  far  as  possible 
and  my  hands  tied  hard  and  fast.  My  hands  and 
feet  were  bound  so  tight  that  the  circulation  of  the 
blood  was  stopped.  Then  I  was  laid  flat  on  my  face 
until  I  became  almost  unconscious.  Doctor  Sunday 
of  the  Twenty-third  Kansas  was  called  in  and  he  at- 
tended me  until  I  was  all  right.  Some  good  soldier 
reported  my  case  to  Major  Denison  of  the  Eighth, 
and  he  came  immediately  and  ordered  my  re- 
lease from  that  condition.  I  was  treated  that 
way  by  Southern  white  volunteer  officers,  such  as 
Lieutenant  Tobin  of  the  Ninth  Louisiana  Regiment, 
and  others.  They  punished  me  that  way  because 
I  would  not  tell  a  lie  to  one  of  those  white  officers 
on  one  of  my  comrades ;  so  I  almost  suffered 
death  for  telling  the  truth.  On  the  22d  of  December, 
1898,  I  was  carried  to  the  Santiago  Barracks  to  serve 
a  term  of  two  years  at  hard  labor.  I  was  treated  very 
nice'  while  I  was  with  the  Fifth  United  States  regu- 
lars (infantry),  but  on  the  2ist  of  February  fifteen  of 
us  were  transferred  from  the  barracks  to  Morro  Castle 
to  work  for  two  companies,  E  and  I,  which  left  the 
barracks  to  guard  that  God-forsaken  place.  My  cell 
was  down  the  steps  from  Hobson's  and  when  visitors 
would  come  around  I  could  see  relics  of  the  Hobson 
cell.  Moro  Castle  is  a  dungeon  from  top  to  bottom 
almost.  While  there  our  work  was  not  so  hard,  but  we 
were  so  confined  in  that  dark  place.  We  had  to  work 
from  seven  to  ten  in  the  morning  and  from  three  to 
five  in  the  afternoon.  Those  two  companies  were  or- 
dered back  to  the  barracks  and  F  company  took  their 


268  "THE   EIGHTH   1LLIXOIS." 

place  at  the  castle.  When  F  company  arrived  I  caught 
it  lucky.  I  had  only  a  little  work  to  do  each  day. 
I  had  the  care  of  the  commissioned  officers'  horses 
and  it  only  required  an  hour  and  a  half  to  two  hours 
each  day  to  do  that.  Between  working  hours  I  would 
wash  for  the  soldiers  to  get  money  to  buy  my  paper, 
envelopes,  stamps,  tobacco  and  cigars  with.  I  had 
a  good  sentry  over  me.  He  would  let  me  buy  what  I 
wanted  by  sending  a  Cuban  who  was  watchman  at 
the  lighthouse.  There  were  white  and  colored  pris- 
oners all  mixed  together  in  the  castle.  Some  times 
they  would  get  intoxicated  and  a  small  race  war  would 
ensue  and  it  would  be  so  dark  in  there  that  the 
guards  would  be  afraid  to  come  in  to  separate  us. 
There  are  many  kinds  of  reptiles  in  that  castle.  We 
have  killed  lizards  that  measured  three  feet  eight 
and  a  half  inches  in  length.  Such  as  these  would 
creep  around  our  bunks  at  night  hunting  for  food, 
and  those  big  mountain  bats  would  come  in  through 
the  bars  in  the  windows,  and  there  they  would  play 
and  fight.  If  we  put  out  our  lights  they  would  get 
up  on  our  bunks.  I  was  always  afraid  of  those  things 
and  you  may  know  how  I  felt.  Some  nights  Ihave 
sat  up  in  my  bunk  for  hours  at  a  time  watching  those 
curious  strange  creatures,  and  yet  we  had  to  sleep 
in  that  place. 

Saturday  morning,  March  n,  1899,  I  will  forever 
remember.  That  was  the  day  that  my  regiment,  the 
Eighth  Illinois,  sailed  for  home.  I  stood  on  the  top 
of  the  castle  with  my  hat  in  one  hand  and  a  hand- 
kerchief in  the  other:  I  was  waving  to  my  com- 
rades a  long  farewell.  I  could  not  restrain  a  tear. 


/A"  ./  1:ORIL1G\'  PRISON.  269 

O,  how  I  wished  that  I  was  on  that  good  ship  as  she 
glided  slowly  by  the  castle.  I  could  hear  faint  and 
yet  familiar  voices  far  below  me  crying,  "Good-by, 
Will ;  good-by,  Hill."  The  scene  was  pathetic.  It 
was  very  heartrending,  but  with  my  voice  choked  by 
sobs  and  my  eyes  bedimmed  with  tears  I  stood  there 
and  watched  the  Sedgwick  pass  beyond  my  gaze 
over  the  trackless  waters  of  the  deep  blue  Caribbean 
Sea. 

Returning  to  my  fate  and  my  condition  I  resolved 
to  myself  that  I  would  behave  myself,  for  Captain 
Theodore  Van  Pelt  of  Company  A  and  Major  Deni- 
son  of  the  Eighth  were  gone  and  I  had  no  one  to  make 
intercessions  for  me.  So  by  my  good  conduct  and 
behavior  I  only  served  five  months  and  twenty-seven 
days  of  those  two  years.  But  I  can  say  that  the  de- 
mons and  dungeons  of  h — 1  are  in  Morro  Castle. 
Respectfully  yours, 

WILLIAM  J.  HILL, 

Ex-Sergeant   of   the   late   Eighth    Illinois   U.    S.   V. 
Regiment  Infantry. 

Chicago,  111. 

The  following  poem  was  written  by  one  of  the 
Eighth  Illinois  Regiment  while  a  prisoner  in  the  guard- 
house and  is  well  worthy  of  reproduction  here : 

LOVE  NEVER  DIES. 

A  Prisoner's  Poem. 
Love  never  dies  though  fond  years  fade 

Like  roses  petal  wise ; 
Sweet  spirits  and  immortal  maid ; 

Love  never  dies. 


ro  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

For  thoughts  like  daisies  ope  their  eyes, 

In  memory's  verdant  glades, 
And  dreams  grow  bright  as  butterflies ; 

Love  never  dies. 

And  when  light  shines  beyond  time's  shade 
Love  as  from  sleep  doth  rise; 

One  bosom  death  can  ne'er  invade ; 
Love  never  dies. 

PEYTON  W.  RANDOLPH, 
Ex-Sergeant  Co.  F,  Eighth  111.  Vol.  Reg. 
Palma  Soriano  de  Cuba. 

A  Prisoner's  Poem  to  his  Comrades. 


CPIAPTER  XII. 

HOMEWARD     BOUND— THE     PASSING     OF     THE 
EIGHTH. 

It  was  Christmas  Day  in  the  Antilles.  The  soldiers 
of  the  Eighth  Illinois  had  sperit  five  long  and  lonely 
months  of  laborious  garrison  duty,  of  want,  hunger 
and  deprivation  upon  the  far  away  isle  of  Cuba. 
Fighting  the  cruel  Don  was  a  thing  of  no  expectation. 
The  island  had  been  rid  of  the  report  of  the  Mauser 
rifle,  which  had  so  often  sent  a  thrill  of  horror  to  the 
heart  of  poor,  struggling  Cubans ;  freedom  to  the 
island  and  its  inhabitants  was  now  an  assured  fact. 
Each  morning  and  evening  had  brought  the  same 
bugle  calls  for  reveille  and  retreat.  Day  after  day 
the  soldiers  had  willingly  and  obediently  performed 
their  regular  detail  duty  from  9  to  1 1  a.  m.  and  from 
i  to  3:30  p.  m.  And  now  there  had  come  a  day 
when  their  loved  ones — kindred  and  relatives — were 
merry-making  in  the  homes  of  their  nativity,  while 
the  soldier  of  the  Eighth  enjoyed  Christmas  in  the 
usual  routine  of  army  life.  Many  of  us  boys  at  Palma 
went  swimming  in  the  hot  waters  of  the  Canto  River. 
The  thermometer  registered  91  degrees  at  i  p.  m. 
that  day.  We  kept  our  hats  on  while  in  the  water 
to  protect  our  heads  from  the  sun's  burning  rays. 
December  days  are  the  hottest  of  the  year  in  Cuba, 

271 


272  -THE   EIGHTH   ILL1XOIS" 

though  the  nights  are  cool  to  chilliness.  While  the 
days  were  hot  and  parching  we  would  read  in  the 
papers  that  were  a  fortnight  old,  though  fresh  to  us, 
that  it  was  21  degrees  below  zero  in  the  States. 

Time  and  again  our  post  couriers,  Wana  Gash,  John 
Hyde  or  Tom  Wilson,  would  bring  consolation  to 
the  soldier  boys'  hearts  when  they  would  ride  into 
the  camp  and  say,  "Boys,  we're  going  home  next 
month.  It's  in  the  paper."  Then  he'd  be  surrounded 
by  scores  of  men  eager  to  get  one  word  of  news  or 
tidings  from  Washington  or  Chicago  or  the  state  of 
Illinois.  But  just  as  often  were  these  expectant  hearts 
disappointed.  One  day,  the  grandest  of  days  in  Cuba, 
news  came  that  the  Eighth  Illinois  was  ordered  to  be  in 
the  States  by  March  2oth.  This  was  too  good  to  be 
true,  but  while  their  hearts  were  elated  a  message  came 
from  Washington  which  read:  "The  Chester  (later 
the  transport  Sedgwick)  will  arrive  at  Santiago  not 
later  than  the  I5th  of  March  to  take  the  Eighth  home." 
Then  the  news  reached  camp  that  the  Eighth  was  going 
to  be  sent  to  the  Phlippines.  That  took  very  well,  for 
the  boys  thought  they  might  yet  have  an  opportunity 
to  brave  death  and  obtain  fame  in  facing  the  deadly 
Mauser  bullet  and  share  honors  with  the  brave  heroes 
of  the  Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty-fifth  Infantry  and 
the  Ninth  and  Tenth  Cavalry,  the  colored  sons  of 
America,  who,  in  spite  of  bullets  and  death,  fought 
their  way  to  honor  and  victory  and  to  the  summit  of 
San  Juan  Hill,  thereby  preserving  the  life  of  Colonel 
Roosevelt  and  his  surviving  Rough  Riders.  Long 
may  the  deeds  of  the  dark-skinned  soldier  be  remem- 
bered in  the  annals  of  our  historv. 


HOMEWARD    BOUND.  273 

February  I3th  still  found  Companies  E  and  F  at 
Palma.  For  two  weeks  military  restrictions  were  les- 
sened. For  a  fortnight  the  soldiers  were  collecting- 
relics  to  bring  home  to  kin  and  friends.  They  were 
marking  boxes  and  packing  them  tight.  "We  are 
going  to  America  in  two  weeks — amigo,"  was  heard 
each  day.  Cuban  men,  women  and  niiios  were  seen 
going  hither  and  thither  with  washings,  bundles  and 
presents  for  the  soldier  boys  who  were  going  to  "Va- 
moose to  America,"  and  cigars  by  bunches  and  hand- 
worked handkerchiefs  were  presented  to  the  soldiers. 
Captain  Roots,  post  commander,  Captain  Akers  of  F 
Company,  First  Lieutenant  Williams  and  Second  Lieu- 
tenant Rauls  of  E  Company  were  all  down  at  San 
Luis.  First  Lieutenant  Hill  and  Second  Lieutenant 
McDonald  of  Company  F  were  the  only  two  commis- 
sioned officers  left  in  Palma.  These  circumstances 
left  Lieutenant  Hill  of  F  Company  in  charge  of  the 
post,  while  Lieutenant  McDonald  of  F  Company  was 
in  charge  of  Company  E.  "We  are  going  home  this 
time  for  sure,"  many  said.  About  ten  o'clock  that 
night  the  boys  were  in  the  garrison,  some  asleep. 
Call  to  quarters  had  sounded  and  the  officer  of  quar- 
ters was  going  his  round  checking  off  those  who  were 
in.  Presently  the  door  was  opened.  Lieutenant  Hill 
stepped  in  and  commanded  "Attention !  men."  In  an 
instant  all  was  quiet.  He  read  an  order  from  head- 
quarters which  said :  Companies  E  and  F  will  report 
back  to  their  regimental  quarters  for  duty  at  San  Luis 
as  soon  as  relieved."  Then  the  lieutenant  told  the  men 
that  that  night  was  probably  their  last  night  in  Palma, 
and  if  they  promised  to  behave  themselves  they  could 
18 


274  -TUIL    I-IC.IITH    lUAXOIS." 

have  the  freedom  of  the  town,  but  to  report  at  reveille 
in  the  morning.  In  Palma,  as  well  as  in  other  small 
towns  in  Santiago  Province,  the  people  go  to  bed 
early.  Nevertheless,  out  into  the  dark  and  lonely 
streets  the  excited  soldiers  dispersed,  yelling  catcalls, 
blowing  bugles,  singing  songs  of  home  and  loved 
ones.  The  people  in  Palma  in  every  quarter  were 
aroused,  bedlam  reigned  and  all  was  joy  and  excite- 
ment. About  a  month  previous  to  this  the  soldiers 
had  gone  as  much  as  three  miles  from  quarters  and 
cut  down  tall  bamboo  canes  and  lugged  them  to  camp 
so  that  the  artificers  could  make  them  into  bunks.  In 
the  garrison  a  row  of  these  bamboo  bunks  was  con- 
structed on  either  side  of  the  long,  low  buildings, 
thus  leaving  an  aisle  in  the  center.  When  news  came 
that  we  were  to  be  in  heavy  marching  order  by  noon 
the  next  day  the  boys  began  to  knock  down  these 
bunksvregardless  of  who  were  sleeping  in  them.  They 
were  piled  up  and  set  fire  to,  the  boys  sitting  around, 
having  a  good  time  and  anxiously  waiting  for  day- 
break. Companies  E  and  F's  men  were  passing  and 
repassing  from  one's  quarters  to  the  other,  only  to 
be  chased  out,  or,  if  caught,  to  be  paddled,  but  it  was 
taken  good-naturedly,  no  one  getting  angry.  Cubans 
being  attracted  to  the  scene  would  peep  at  the  doors 
and  say,  "Soldow  vamus  tu  el  Americano  pueblo  y 
nosotrous  a  mucho  sciento/'  or,  ''The  soldiers  are  go- 
ing to  their  American  homes,  and  we  are  very  sorry." 
On  the  morning  of  the  I4th  of  February  (St.  Valen- 
tine's Day  in  America)  the  sound  of  our  last  reveille 
in  Palma  was  sounded,  its  echo  resounding  back  from 
the  hills  that  surrounded  the  town.  The  tropical  sun 


HOMEWARD    HOUXD.  275 

refused  to  send  forth  her  refulgent  beams  upon  the 

parting  scenes  of  the  sons  of  Illinois. 

"All    day,   the   low    hung   clouds    had    dropped    their 

garnered  fullness  down — 

All  day,  that  gray  mist  hath  wrapped  hill,  valley,  grove 
and  town." 

It  was  dreary,  sad  and  quiet,  yet  joyous  for  the 
boys,  for  they  were  filled  with  the  expectation  of  see- 
ing home  again.  Mess  was  served  at  six.  There 
were  no  special  details,  only  guard  duty  being  per- 
formed that  day.  All  the  morning  the  men  were 
scattered  out  in  the  town,  buying  things  and  saying 
good-by  to  friends,  and  wherever  you  went  it  was, 
"Adios,  senorita;  adios  novia ;  adios,  mi  amigo." 
The  men  were  constantly  watching  down  the  road 
that  leads  to  Concepcion  and  San  Luis  for  the  sol- 
diers who  were  to  come  and  relieve  them. 

About  one  o'clock  a  soldier  on  horseback  appeared 
over  the  hill,  then  another  on  foot,  and  still  others 
until  the  road  was  black  with  colored  American  sol- 
diers. This  body  of  men  proved  to  be  Company  G 
of  the  Xinth  immunes  (Louisiana)  coming  to  relieve 
Companies  E  and  F.  One  vigilant  soldier  espied 
them.  "Yonder  they  come !"  he  cried.  Other  men's 
eyes  peering  down  the  road  verified  the  fact  that  the 
coming  of  the  relief  was  a  certainty. 

Sounds  of  song  and  yells  rent  the  air,  the  buglers 
were  blowing  assembly  call  and  the  soldiers  were  hur- 
rying to  their  quarters,  followed  by  the  Cubans,  many 
of  whom  were  crying. 

"Fall  in,  Company  E,"  came  the  sonorous  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  Hill.  "Fall  in,  Company  F," 


276  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

commanded  Lieutenant  McDonald.  In  front  of  our 
alignment  was  a  crowd  of  sorrowful  Cubans,  as  far  as 
one  could  see,  lined  along  the  street,  to  see  us  march 
away. 

Onward  and  nearer  came  the  relief  in  blue,  until  the 
command,  ''Company  halt!  Rest!"  was  given  by  their 
captain,  and  Company  G  of  the  Ninth  Louisiana  was 
in  Palma. 

"Company,  attention  !  Right  dress  ;  front ;  count 
fours  ;  right  shoulder  arms  ;  fours  right ;  column  right ; 
march !"  Similar  commands  were  repeated  to  Com- 
pany F  by  Lieutenant  McDonald,  and  the  boys  of 
E  and  F  companies  were  on  their  twenty-mile  march 
to  San  Luis. 

Leaving  Palma  at  4:15  o'clock  p.  m.,  half  past  eight 
o'clock  finds  us  in  San  Luis,  eighteen  miles  distant ; 
then  two  and  a  half  miles  farther  and  we  were  back 
in  camp  once  more  with  our  regiment. 

Lieutenant  Hill  had  a  quantity  of  bread  cooked  and 
each  man  was  given  a  loaf  of  bread  before  we  started. 
This  was  our  supper  on  the  way,  which  we  ate  while 
marching. 

On  arriving  at  the  camp  many  of  the  soldiers  were 
very  sick  and  were  vomiting  from  marching  so  hard 
on  an  empty  stomach  ;  but  the  boys  of  the  other  com- 
panies made  it  as  pleasant  as  possible  for  us.  Many 
of  the  men  who  could  not  get  under  the  shelter  of  the 
church  were  provided  for  in  other  companies. 

The  next  day  we  were  stiff  and  sore,  but  our  colonel 
exempted  us  from  duty  for  two  days. 

All  the  next  day  members  of  other  companies 
visited  our  company  street  to  see  the  country  boys 


HOMEWARD   BOUND,  277 

who  had  spent  five  long  months  up  in  the  mountains 
and  had  just  returned.  Many  of  us  were  greeted 
with,  "Gee  whiz!  fellow;  have  you  been  sick?  You 
look  so  bad.  How  you  have  fallen  off."  The  answer 
invariably  would  be,  "Ah,  my  comrade,  if  you  had 
had  to  work  like  we  did  you  would  be  poor  and 
scrawny,  too." 

The  regiment  being  reunited,  and  meeting  comrades 
and  keeping  step  to  the  martial  music  while  the  band 
played  "The  Star  Spangled  Banner,"  made  us  forget 
our  garrison  home  at  Palma. 

The  first  Sunday  in  San  Luis,  we  went  to  morn- 
ing services,  the  first  opportunity  of  the  kind  for  five 
months.  That  afternoon  quite  a  few  girls  from  Palma 
came  out  to  the  camp  to  see  us  once  more  before  we 
left  the  island.  They  had  left  Palma,  late  Saturday 
night  in  order  to  reach  San  Luis,  Sunday,  in  the  fore- 
noon. They  walked  the  entire  distance  and  left  Sun- 
day night  to  walk  the  eighteen  miles  over  again. 

The  Twenty-third  Kansas  broke  camp  on  the  28th 
of  February.  The  two  regiments  had  been  camping 
within  five  hundred  yards  of  each  other  for  several 
months  and  a  growing  tendency  of  soldier  friendship 
had  been  engendered,  and  when  the  Eighth  saw  the 
Twenty-third  marching  away  from  the  scenes  of  war 
a  shadow  of  gloom  overcast  the  entire  camp. 

The  1st  of  March  came  and  went  and  the  Eighth 
was  still  at  Camp  Marshall.  On  the  morning  of  the 
6th  of  March  the  camp  of  the  Eighth  was  a  spectacle 
of  industry.  Everywhere  one  could  see  the  soldiers 
doing  policing  in  company  street,  at  headquarters, 
around  their  tents  and  in  cook  tents  and  hospital.  It 


278  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

was  a  day  of  general  inspection.  About  five  o'clock 
General  Breckenridge,  the  United  States  Inspector 
General,  accompanied  by  Brigadier  General  E.  P.  Ewers 
and  Captain  R.  S.  Woodson,  the  army  medical  director, 
rode  into  camp.  Immediately  drill  and  dress  parade 
were  ordered,  each  soldier  carrying  a  clean  gun  and 
their  uniforms  in  excellent  condition.  The  colonel, 
with  his  staff,  assisted  by  field  and  line  officers,  drilled 
the  Eighth.  They  drilled  with  more  precision  than 
they  ever  did  before.  Their  proud  hearts  were  ani- 
mated with  pomp  and  glory,  while  the  band  played 
"America"  and  the  "The  Star  Spangled  Banner." 
The  men  were  marching  with  heads  erect,  eyes  straight 
to  the  front,  a  colored  colonel  and  two  white  generals 
of  the -United  States  volunteer  army  were  the  review- 
ing officers.  The  men  were  to  port  arms,  the  gener- 
als and  colonel  tipped  their  headgear  in  salute  while 
the  Eighth  Illinois  was  passing  in  review.  After  the 
several  captains  had  dismissed  the  men -in  their  re- 
spective streets,  the  generals,  with  Colonel  Marshall 
and  Major  Jackson,  inspected  each  tent  in  the  com- 
pany streets,  while  the  soldiers  stood  each  in  front 
of  his  tent  uncovered  and  at  attention.  When  the  in- 
spection was  completed  the  Inspector  General  said 
to  our  colonel,  "It  is  a  shame  to  muster  out  of  service 
such  a  regiment.  *  *  *  It  is  as  fine  a  volunteer 
regiment  as  was  ever  musered  into  the  service." 

About  the  8th  of  March  our  colonel  received  a  tele- 
gram from  headquarters  at  Santiago :  "The  Chester  is 
in ;"  and  later,  "Have  your  command  ready  to  move 
on  forty-eight  hours'  notice."  This  information  and 
glad  tidings  settled  the  problem.  Drills  were  no  more. 


HOMEWARD   BOl'Xl).  279 

Camp  Marshall  was  'a  bedlam.  Joy  and  hilarity 
reigned  supreme.  Each  company  cook  was  prepar- 
ing biscuits,  coffee,  canned  goods,  etc.,  for  five  days' 
rations  to  take  on  our  second  long  ocean  voyage. 
We  were  to  land  at  Newport  News,  Ya.,  a  distance 
of  1,400  miles  by  sea.  Then  we  would  be  on  Ameri- 
can soil  once  more.  The  regimental  quartermaster  was 
as  busy  as  he  could  be  making  preparation  for  trans- 
portation. The  next  day  at  four  o'clock  we  broke 
camp  by  order  of  Colonel  Marshall.  Every  man 
was  allowed  from  i  o'clock  to  6  p.  m.  to  go  to  town 
and  buy  whatever  he  wanted.  The  boys  had  all  of 
their  boxes  numbered,  packed  and  locked  or  nailed 
tightly.  Most  of  them  slept  all  night  in  their  clothes, 
while  some  of  them  did  not  sleep  at  all,  but  lay  awake 
all  night  talking  in  an  undertone  of  the  prospects  of 
being  at  home  once  more.  At  intervals  through  the 
night  the  officer  of  the  day  or  the  sergeant  of  the 
guard  would  patrol  the  company  streets,  peeping  into 
the  various  tents,  and  would  say :  "Stop  that  noise  in 
there.  Don't  you  know  it  is  after  taps?" 

At  half-past  three  Friday  morning,  March  loth,  the 
bugle  call  at  headquarters  broke  the  stillness  of  the 
night  with  the  sounds  of  an  early  reveille.  This  fa- 
miliar call  was  adapted  into  the  following  words  by 
the  soldier:  "We  can't  get  'em  up,  we  can't  get  'em 
up,  we  can't  get  'em  up  this  morning ;  we  can't  get 
'em  up,  we  can't  get  'em  up,  we  can't  get  'em  up  to- 
day ;  we'll  give  'em  hardtacks  and  coffee,  we'll  give 
'em  hard  tacks  and  coffee,  we'll  give  'em  hardtacks 
and  coffee,  for  we  can't  get  'em  up  to-day." 

Ere  the  sound  of  the  bugle  died  away  upon  the 


280  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

early  morning  air  a  tumultuous  yell  arose  from  the 
throats  of  a  thousand  soldiers ;  bonfires  made  from  the 
soldiers'  beds  were  ablaze  in  every  company  street ; 
captains,  lieutenants,  sergeants  and  corporals  were  hur- 
rying, scurrying  in  every  direction,  calling  out :  "Tear 
down  those  tents,  men."  "Fold  up  those  tents,  boys." 
Across  a  ravine  an  islolated  casa  in  which  Corporal 
Thomas  and  his  wife  had  made  so  many  pies  to  sa- 
tiate the  soldier's  appetite  for  pastry,  was  now  a  vic- 
tim to  an  early  morning  blaze  and  the  boys  were 'stand- 
ing around  cheering  and  yelling.  The  path  that  led 
to  the  spring  a  half  a  mile  away  was  animated  with 
men  going  to  fill  up  their  canteens  for  the  last  time 
in  Cuba.  They  carried  all  the  spring  water  they  could. 
They  had  experienced  what  it  was  to  drink  that  con- 
densed salty  ocean  water,  which  was  so  hot  at  times 
they  could  hardly  swallow  it.  But  the  water  on  the 
Sedgewick  was  somewhat  colder  than  that  we  had  to 
drink  on  the  Yale. 

At  six  o'clock  mess  call  was  sounded.  By  nine 
o'clock  what  was  yesterday  the  white-tented  village  of 
Camp  Marshall,  to-day  was  a  wasted  plain,  a  desolate 
scene.  The  devastated  plain  was  thronged  with  Cu- 
bans with  their  arms  and  laps  full  of  the  soldiers'  cast- 
offs.  Two  large  government  wagons  were  loaded  to 
their  utmost  and  were  on  the  road  to  the  depot  at 
San  Luis. 

At  10:30  the  First  Battalion  was  marching  away, 
with  tin  cups,  army  plates  and  canteens  clattering,  bay- 
onets glistening  in  the  sun,  and  headed  by  the  Eighth 
Illinois  regimental  band,  which  was  playing  "Marching 
Through  Georgia."  Who  can  imagine  the  pangs  of 


HOMEWARD   BOUND.  281 

joy  that  thrilled  the  hearts  of  those  brave  men  when 
they  had  at  least  realized  that  they  were  homeward 
bound. 

Marching  into  San  Luis,  playing  "Honey,  let  me 
bring  my  clothes  back  home,"  they  found  an  engine, 
one  passenger  coach,  one  box  car  and  three  sugar 
cane  cars  ready  to  carry  them  to  Santiago.  The  train 
landed  her  burden  in  Santiago,  and  returning  majde 
a  second  haul,  then  the  third  and  Camp  Marshall  was 
a  thing  of  the  past. 

As  fast  as  we  arrived  in  Santiago  we  were  marched 
direct  to  the  wharf,  where  the  government  tug  Adonis 
transferred  us  to  the  United  States  transport  Sedge- 
wick,  which  laid  anchored  out  in  the  bay.  It  took 
all  day  to  move  and  embark  the  Eighth,  while  it  was 
in  the  early  hours  of  the  next  day  before  all  of  the 
arms,  equipments  and  baggage  were  loaded.  There 
were  twelve  hundred  boxes,  trunks  and  packages  to 
get  aboard.  There  was  a  heavy  fog  that  hung  low 
over  the  bay  and  a  misty  rain. 
"We  saw  the  lights  of  the  city  gleam  through  the  mist 

and  rain 
And  a  feeling  seemed  to  come  o'er  us  which  our  hearts 

could  not  restrain." 

At  seven  o'clock  Saturday  morning,  March  nth, 
the  captain  of  the  Sedgewick  blew  a  long  blast  from 
her  coarse  whistle,  then  we  heard  the  tooting  of  the 
little  signal  whistle,  there  were  vibrations  in  the  black 
hull  of  the  Sedgewick,  and  the  ripples  on  the  water 
told  us  we  were  gliding  down  the  bay,  and  the  boys 
of  the  Eighth  were  homeward  bound. 
The  next  day  about  i  p.  m.  Major  Jackson  and  wife 


282  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

were  bereaved  upon  the  loss  of  their  little  baby  daugh- 
ter. The'  climate  was  too  trying  upon  this  infant  girl 
and  the  second  ocean  voyage  proved  fatal  to  her.  The 
major  had  her  put  in  ice  and  brought  to  Newport 
News,  where  the  major  and  party  went  ashore  and 
buried  her. 

Not  including  this  demise,  our  trip  homeward  was 
uneventful  until  we  were  rounding  Gape  Hatteras. 
It  was  our  third  night  out  when  the  large  mountain- 
ous billows  began  to  surge  against  the  prow  of  our 
boat,  but  the  faithful  Sedgewick,  which  was  much 
smaller  than  the  Yale,  braved  the  dashing  waves  and 
all  night  long  she  was  raised  and  tossed  upon  the 
angry  bosom  of  the  mad  Atlantic.  The  dawn  of  the 
fourth  day  found  matters  no  better,  but  on  the  con- 
trary our  ship  was  dashed  and  tossed  until  s'he  was 
completely  out  of  her  course  by  several  miles.  A 
violent  storm  at  sea  was  ahead.  To  turn  an-d  run 
before  the  gale  meant  nothing  but  ill-spent  time,  so 
forward  and  onward  our  gallant  boat  bounded  until 
we  were  in  the  midst  of  a  fierce  windstorm.  There 
were  two  hundred  or  more  of  the  soldiers  seasick, 
heaving  and  groaning,  hanging  onto  the  side  railing 
of  the  vessel,  while  mountainous  billows  were  com- 
ing in  every  direction.  The  Sedgewick  would  be  raised 
some  forty  feet  or  more  in  the  air,  then  the  receding 
wave  would  leave  her  in  a  trough,  large  sprays  of 
water  would  come  upon  deck  three  and  four  feet  deep 
and  soak  everyone  in  reach. 

After  reaching  Old  Point  Comfort  many  of  us  had 
to  go  upon  the  upper  deck  of  the  ship  and  bring 
down  our  overcoats  to  be  distributed.  It  was  rain- 


HOMEWARD   BOUND.  283 

ing  very  hard,  but  we  paid  no  attention  to  that, 
we  were  already  chilled,  as  we  had  come  all  the  way 
from  Cuba  on  the  chilly  waters  without  overcoats. 

The  writer  deems  it  worthy  of  note  to  mention  the  Cu- 
ban wives  which  the  soldiers  brought  over  with  them. 
They  were  given  quarters  in  the  after  cabin  of  the 
boat.  They  had  never  been  this  far  from  their  native 
shores  before  and  thought  this  a  very  large  world, 
"mucho  grande,"  as  they  termed  it.  "Mucho  agua," 
they  would  say.  But  when  the  storm  was  at  its  fierc- 
est they  became  dreadfully  seasick  and  laid  hopelessly 
groaning  upon  the  cabin  floor,  unable  to  sit  up,  stand 
or  walk,  and  thought  the  big  ship  unmercifully  kind 
to  them,  while  yet  she  kept  constantly  plunging,  roll- 
ing and  rocking  throughout  the  long  dreary  day.  But 
as  to  the  three  little  Cuban  boys  and  the  one  Cuban 
girl,  they  braved  the  situation  astonishingly  well.  We 
arrived  at  Newport  News  on  the  morning  of  the  i6th 
of  March  and  lay  in  quarantine  only  two  hours,  when 
the  yellow  quarantine  flag  was  lowered  and  the  quar- 
antine raised,  the  medical  officers  from  the  black  med- 
ical ship  having  declared  a  clean  bill  of  health  to  the 
Eighth  Illinois. 

We  anchored  in  the  bay  all  day  and  -night  while 
the  lighters  and  tugs  transferred  our  baggage  and 
equipments  from  the  ship  to  the  depot  on  shore.  De- 
tails of  men  were  sent  over  to  guard  them  and  to  load 
them  in  the  cars. 

At  nine  o'clock  the  Eighth  began  to  disembark 
onto  a  large  lighter.  When  all  was  complete  the 
captain  of  the  Sedgewick  blew  three  long  blasts  of 
her  big  whistle.  The  sailors  standing  on  deck  with 


284  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

heads  uncovered  waved  their  handkerchiefs  and  hands 
and  bade  the  boys  of  the  Eighth  good-by.  The  men 
gave  three  cheers  to  the  sailors,  and  their  captain,  and 
officers,  as  the  Eighth  was  gliding  toward  land,  while 
the  band  played  "There'll  Be  a  Mot  Time  in  the  Old 
Town  To-night." 

Upon  the  shore  on  housetops  and  in  windows  men, 
women  and  children  were  waving,  cheering  and  yell- 
ing, all  welcoming  the  colored  regiment  back  home. 
We  were  landed,  and  no  time  being  lost  were  in  our 
coaches,  and  through  avenues  of  patriotic,  liberty-lov- 
ing men,  women  and  children  cheering  at  the  tops 
of  their  voices,  the  Eighth  Illinois  was  rapidly  speed- 
ing onward  toward  Chicago  and  home ;  passing 
through  old  Virginia's  tunnels,  curving  around  the 
mountain  slopes  of  the  Blue  Ridge  the  Eighth  Illinois 
was  homeward  bound. 

We  left  Newport  Xews  about  ten  o'clock,  March 
1 7th  (St.  Patrick's  Day)  over  the  Chesapeake  &  Ohio 
Railroad  and  arrived  at  Richmond,  Ya.,  at  five  o'clock. 
We  staid  in  Richmond  about  half  an  hour.  It  was 
the  native  home  of  some  of  the  boys  and  quite  a  few 
interesting  scenes  occurred.  I  was  leaning  out  of  a 
window  of  the  coach  when  an  old  gray-haired  white 
man,  whose  face  was  tanned  and  wrinkled,  came  along- 
side the  track,  and  looking  at  me  said,  "Say,  boss, 
what  boys  are  these?"  I  told  him  we  were  the  Eighth 
Illinois  Volunteer  Regiment ;  that  we  were  just  from 
Cuba  and  were  on  our  way  back  to  Illinois  to  be 
mustered  out.  He  added,  "You  fellows  must'er  had 
a  pretty  tough  time  of  it  down  thar,  didn't  yer?"  I 
told  him  that  we  had  had  quite  an  experience  while 


HOMEWARD   BOUND.  285 

in  Cuba.  "Say,  boss,  have  yer  got  any  of  them  bul- 
lets and  hardtacks  that  you  had  down  thar?"  I  gave 
him  a  cartridge  and  two  hardtacks,  and  after  thank- 
ing me  for  them  he  said,  "Gee  whiz !  Them  thar  bul- 
lets would  kill  a  man  a  mile  off.  I  haven't  seen  a 
hardtack  before  since  the  War  of  the  Rebellion." 

Just  then  our  car  was  pulling  out.  Looking  back 
the  venerable  old  farmer  stood  there  waving  his  hand 
and  saying,  "Good-bye,  boys;  good-bye,  boys.  May 
God  bless  you." 

Darkness  soon  overshadowed  us,  but  onward  we 
sped,  plunging  into  black  tunnels,  out  again 
through  lonely  dales,  and  rounding  the  mountain 
side,  and  by  the  tranquil  stream  of  the  James,  our  en- 
gine carrying  us  rapidly  on  while  her  headlight  pierced 
the  darkness,  night  shades  falling  fast. 

At  ten  o'clock  we  arrived  at  Clifton  Ford,  Va.  Here 
Dr.  A.  M.  Curtis,  who  had  come  all  the  way  from 
Washington,  D.  C.,  to  meet  his  friends  of  the  Eighth 
Illinois ;  also  his  cousin,  Dr.  J.  W.  Curtis,  assistant 
surgeon  of  the  Eighth,  joined  the  regiment. 

At  twelve  o'clock  the  next  day  we  were  running 
by  the  yellow  waters  of  the  Appomattox  River,  by 
the  side  of  which  nestled  the  city  of  Charleston,  with 
her  magnificent  environments.  Virginia,  West  Vir- 
ginia and  Kentucky  were  traversed  with  much  speed 
amid  cheering  and  enthusiasm  all  the  way,  arriving 
at  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  at  9  p.  m.  Onward  we  came 
until  Kankakee,  111.,  was  reached.  Here  our  breasts 
leaped  with  joy,  so  many  old  familiar  faces  came  to 
view.  Here  we  were  met  by  representatives  of  the 
reception  committee,  composed  of  one  hundred  per- 


2Sti  "THE    EIGHTH    ILLINOIS'' 

sons,  of  which  County  Commissioner  Edward  H. 
Wright  was  chairman.  When  the  first  section  steamed 
into  Kankakee  the  committee  of  welcome  boarded  the 
officers'  car,  and  after  a  merry  handshaking  and 
shoulder  slapping,  Colonel  Francis  A.  Riddle,  in  be- 
half of  Governor  Tanner,  welcomed  us  home  in  the 
following  words : 

COLONEL  FRANCIS  A.   RIDDLE'S  WELCOME  AD- 
DRESS. 

Colonel  Marshall,  officers  and  men  of  the  Eighth  Illi- 
nois Infantry : 

By  direction  of  its  Governor  and  in  behalf  of  its  peo- 
ple, I  extend  to  you  a  most  hearty  welcome  on  your 
return  to  the  imperial  state  of  Illinois.  Ever  since 
she  became  one  of  the  brightest  constellations  of  states 
which  constitute  the  greatest  republic  of  all  time,  the 
soldiers  of  Illinois  have  been  foremost  in  the  achieve- 
ments of  heroic  deeds  upon  every  battlefield  of  the 
continent.  Her  sons  have  been  gallant  in  the  days  of 
conflict,  and  her  people  have  a  full  appreciation  of 
the  value  of  their  splendid  services.  I  welcome  you 
to  the  dwelling  place  of  heroes,  to  the  patriotic  soil 
which  was  the  home  of  Lincoln,  of  Grant,  of  Logan, 
and  of  a  countless  host  of  patriots  whose  names  are 
now,  and  will  in  all  the  years  to  come,  be  as  household 
words.  Illinois  cherishes  with  tender  solicitude  and 
with  just  pride  all  those  whose  noble  sacrifices  and  un- 
flinching fidelity  to  public  trusts  have  honored  her 
name  and  added  luster  to  the  character  and  dignity  of 
her  people.  The  return  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  In- 
fantry is  an  event  which  will  impress  itself  upon  all 


IIOCXH.  287 

men,  and  will  become  a  milestone  in  the  progress  of 
civilization. 

It  fell  to  your  good  fortune,  Colonel  Marshall,  to  be 
the  first  man  of  your  race  to  bear  the  commission  of 
colonel  and  to  become  the  efficient  commander  of  a 
regiment  of  soldiers  in  the  Army  of  the  United  States. 
It  was  a  proud  distinction,  was  most  worthily  be- 
stowed, and  the  fullest  measure  of  praise  is  due  to  you 
and  your  command  for  having  discharged  every  duty 
assigned  you  while  in  the  service  of  your  country  with 
signal  success  and  honor. 

Illinois  is  justly  proud  of  your  patriotic  services  and 
of  the  enviable  record  and  soldierly  conduct  of  your 
splendid  regiment.  The  unselfish  fidelity  with  which 
you  and  your  command  have  exemplified  the  conspicu- 
ous virtues  of  the  true  soldier,  and  discharged  every 
duty  incident  to  the  high  purpose  for  which  you  en- 
listed under  the  banner  of  the  Republic,  will  form  a 
bright  page  in  the  history  of  our  country,  and  the  faith- 
ful services  you  have  rendered  as  volunteer  soldiers  of 
the  Union  will  live  in  immortal  story. 

The  muster  of  your  command  into  the  volunteer 
army  of  the  United  States  was  an  event  which  will  be 
a  monument  to  the  far  sighted  wisdom,  high  sense  of 
justice  and  manly  courage  of  John  R.  Tanner.  It  is 
to  him  as  the  Governor  of  Illinois  that  you  owe  the 
high  privilege  you  have  enjoyed  of  demonstrating  to 
the  world  the  capacity  and  fitness  of  the  Xegro  race  to 
command,  and  to  carry  the  glorious  banner  of  our  coun- 
try with  loyalty  and  with  honor.  The  genius  of 
American  institutions  gleams  through  the  untarnished 
record  which  you  and  your  command  "have  made.  The 


288  ''THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

lessons  of  this  hour  are  impressive.  A  flood  of  mem- 
ories come  to  us  all  as  we  behold  you  wearing,  in 
honor,  the  proud  uniform  of  an  American  soldier. 

It  is  but  little  more  than  a  generation  since  the  race 
to  which  you  belong  were  slaves  to  cruel  masters,  and 
the  shameful  outrage  under  which  your  fathers  groaned 
was  a  blot  upon  the  fair  name  of  Liberty.  The  mon- 
ster of  Civil  War  hid  in  its  shadow,  and  it  required 
the  best  blood  of  earth  to  wash  away  the  curse  and 
purchase  the  freedom  which  you  now  enjoy.  We 
must  not  forget  then  the  sacrifice  made  from  the  day 
when  John  Brown  met  a  felon's  fate  at  Harper's 
Ferry  because  of  his  love  of  liberty,  and  that  hour 
when  the  priceless  blood  of  Abraham  Lincoln  was 
poured  out  as  the  price  of  his  devotion  to  the  self- 
evident  truth  that  all  men  should  be  free.  Every  step 
of  your  advancement,  whether  it  be  in  its  progress  to- 
wards a  higher  standard  of  civilization,  or  in  its  fidel- 
ity to  civic  virtue  and  moral  worth,  must  be  measured 
by  that  costly  libation.  But  you  have  returned  to  us 
with  well  earned  honors,  and  who  shall  say  then  that 
the  freedom  of  the  slave  was  not  worth  its  cost? 

It  has  been  a  glorious  privilege  to  live  in  the  Nine- 
teenth century  and  to  look  back  from  its  crowning  year 
to  the  magnificent  progress  of  civilization  during  that 
period.  Events  crowd  upon  the  vision.  The  most 
alert  and  clearest  sighted  mind  can  scarcely  comprehend 
the  unequaled  triumphs  of  less  than  one  year.  On 
that  day  of  July  in  1898,  when  the  last  ship  of  the 
Spanish  fleet  sunk  under  the  well  directed  missiles  of 
the  American  navy  beneath  the  blue  waves  of  the 
Carribean  sea,  a  new  power  rose  in  resplendent  glory 


HOMEWARD   BOUND.  2S1) 

to  the  very  zenith  in  the  galaxy  of  nations.  The  world 
looked  on  amazed.  An  unknown  hero,  fully  equipped 
and  irresistible,  stood  fearless  in  the  plain  of  Mars. 
Born  in  a  new  world,  educated  in  her  common  schools, 
and  fearing  nothing  but  himself  and  a  woman's  frown, 
this  stranger  to  the  nations  spoke  to  the  world  around 
new  lessons  in  valor,  and  demonstrated  that  liberty  was 
no  longer  the  dream  of  philanthropists,  but  must  be- 
come the  unfettered  handmaid  of  every  human  soul. 

You  are  therefore  again  welcomed,  because  the  peo- 
ple of  your  proud  state  will  never  forget  the  conditions 
under  which  you  went  cheerfully  into  the  ranks  of 
war.  Your  white  comrades  were  falling  in  the  pres- 
ence of  an  enemy  more  dreaded  than  the  battle  front. 
Disease  stalked  with  fatal  impetus  amidst  their  thin- 
ning ranks.  It  was  a  time  of  dread.  Fear  was  in  the 
way,  and  the  mourners  went  about  the  streets. 

To  the  relief  of  their  white  comrades  the  men  of  the 
gallant  Eighth  went  with  a  song  and  a  shout.  The 
starry  banner  of  the  nation — now  no  longer  the  em- 
blem of  slavery,  but  the  bow  of  promise  to  the  free- 
man's hope — was  given  into  their  keeping.  They  took 
it  up  with  a  chivalry  born  of  the  most  exalted  patriot- 
ism and  bore  it  in  honor  wherever  duty  called.  No  flag 
was  ever  borne  aloft  as  the  standard  of  a  holier  mis- 
sion. You  bring  it  home  to  us  without  a  stain,  and 
you  deserve  the  plaudit,  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful 
servants"  from  all  our  people.  Welcome,  then,  to  you 
from  the  people  who  put  their  trust  reverently  into 
your  hands,  and  who  have  watched  your  career,  not 
without  anxiety,  but  who  have  marked  your  progress 
and  devotion  as  soldiers  with  ever  increasing  pride. 
19 


290 


"THE   EIGHTH   ILLIXOIS." 


Welcome  in  the  name  of  fraternity,  charity  and  loyalty, 
and  welcome  to  the  hearts  of  your  countrymen,  be- 
cause of  their  faith  that  you  will  ever  march  loyally  be- 
neath the  flag  and  keep  step  to  the  music  of  the 
Union. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
WELCOME   HOME. 

There  are  but  few  enterprises  and  adventures  in  a 
man's  life  that  if  not  crowned  by  a  woman's  counsel 
and  zeal  and  propelled  or  accelerated  by  her  undying 
efforts  and  energies  are  a  perfect  success.  Woman, 
through  the  ordination  of  God,  is  a  part  of  man,  conse- 
quently there  is  not  much  success  in  man  without  her 
affiliation.  Being  cognizant  of  the  fact  the  women 
friends  of  the  Eighth  in  Chicago  never  ceased  to  work 
and  labor  for  the  comforts  and  necessities  of  "their" 
regiment,  irrespective  of  race  or  color.  Mrs.  Ida 
Green,  a  white  lady,  member  of  the  Illinois  Board  of 
Education,  inaugurated  a  series  of  private  entertain- 
ments which  were  given  every  week  at  different 
friends'  residences,  the  proceeds  of  which  were  used  in 
buying  luxuries  for  the  colored  sons  of  Illinois  in  far 
away  Cuba.  In  the  meantime  the  wives,  mothers,  sis- 
ters and  daughters  of  the  soldiers  of  the  Eighth  had 
formed  themselves  into  a  club  known  as  the  Woman's 
Auxiliary  of  the  Eighth  Illinois.  After  giving  enter- 
tainments and' working  earnestly  for  that  purpose  they 
succeeded  in  raising  money  (over  $600)  to  send  their 
representative,  Dr.  William  Taylor,  the  colored  drug- 
gist, to  Cuba,  with  nourishments  and  luxuries  for  their 
sick  and  dying  soldiers.  The  kindness  and  thought- 

291 


292  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

fulness  of  the  ladies  will  never  be  forgotten  by  the 
soldiers  of  the  Eighth  Illinois. 

We  left  the  Eighth  Illinois  at  Kankakee.  At  i  p.  m., 
Saturday,  March  the  i8th,  1899.  They  stepped  from 
the  train  at  the  Illinois  Central  depot  in  Chicago  amid 
cheers  of  enthusiasm,  tears  of  joy,  and  handshaking. 
They  were  lined  up  in  Michigan  avenue  and  headed 
for  the  Second  Illinois  Cavalry  armory  in  West  Wash- 
ington boulevard,  which  was  tendered  to  the  committee 
for  a  reception  for  the  Eighth.  Here  the  Woman's 
Auxiliary  came  in  with  their  share  of  the  welcome. 
There  were  several  long  and  grandly  decorated  tables 
prepared  for  the  fatigued  and  hungry  soldiers,  and 
such  viands  and  good  coffee  they  had  not  tasted  for 
eight  long  months.  The  several  churches  had  tables 
furnished,  viz. :  The  Quinn  Chapel, .  African  Meth- 
odist Episcopal ;  The  Bethel,  African  Methodist  Episco- 
pal ;  the  Olivet,  Baptist ;  the  Bethseda  and  the  Shiloh, 
Baptist.  After  satisfying  our  hungry  appetites  and  lis- 
tening to  addresses  of  welcome  by  Mayor  Carter  H. 
Harrison  and  Lieutenant-Governor  Xorthcott  of  Illi- 
nois, and  Mrs.  Green  of  the  Board  of  Education, 
there  was  an  hour  of  greetings,  handshaking,  and  the 
Eighth  Illlinois  was  welcomed  home.  Then  we  were 
marched  back  to  the  South  Side,  then  to  Tattersall's 
where  the  Governor  had  prepared  quarters  previous  to 
our  being  mustered  out.  On  arriving  at  Tattersall's 
the  colonel  gave  all  of  those  who  had  homes  in  the 
city  the  privilege  to  sleep  at  home  once  more,  and  the 
opportunity  was  grasped  and  utilized  by  more  than 
six  hundred  soldiers.  For  the  benefit  of  the  soldiers 
of  the  Eighth  the  author  has  had  the  following  poem 


WELCOME   HOME.  293 

dedicated  to  the  regiment,  prepared  especially  for  them 
in  title,  "Welcome  Home,"  by  Miss  Lunette  Bassett 
Brady,  of  Chicago : 

Prepared    especially     for     the    "Eighth    Illinois,"     by     Miss 
Lunette    Bassett    Brady,    of   Chicago,    111. 

Welcome  home,   ye  gallant  and   brave  boys  of  the 

Eighth ; 

Thou  hast  been  faithful  though  orders  to  the  battle- 
field came  late ; 

But  never  too  late  to  gain  honor  and  praise, 
Never  too  late  the  American  banner  to  raise, 
Showing  forth  its  colors  all  radiant  and  pure, 
Giving  three  cheers  for  the  red,  white  and  blue, 
Marching  forth  with  quickstep  to  the  bugle  call, 
On  and  on  to  Cuba  to  see  the  wicked  Spaniard  fall ; 
Falling  beneath  our  stars  and  stripes 
Surrendering  their  weapons  with  arrogant  strife. 
Brave  boys  of  the  Eighth  were  awaiting  their  time 
To  be  ordered  forth  to  the  front  in  well  trained  lines ; 
Sad  hearts  of  many  bade  them  farewell ; 
No  more  to  see  them  they  could  tell. 
Down  to  yon  damp  and  molten  clime, 
Crossing  the  dark,  deep  and  dreary  brine, 
Perhaps  never  to  return  from  their  weird  task 
Of  freeing  their  brother  from  the  enemy's  grasp. 
I  stood  and  watched  their  steady  pace 
And  said  within  me,  Ah !  noble  race ; 
Down  to  Cuba  with  fearless  pride  and  woe, 
Shrinking  not  back  from  the  cannon's  great  roar. 
There  were  many  who  watched  them  with  tear-dimmed 
eves ; 


294  "THE    EIGHTH    ILLINOIS." 

There  were  sobs  of  sadness  'neath  the  azure  sky, 

And  yet  they  were  happy  amid  all  these  sighs ; 

On  to  victory  was  their  one  desire. 

Eight  months  they  lay  in  yon  scorching  lands, 

Ready  and  waiting  to  obey  the  general's  command. 

When  orders  came  for  them  to  return  home 

They  felt  that  God  had  them  mercy  shown; 

Spared  them  to  relieve  the  careworn  first, 

Spared  them  to  return  to  their  native  earth ; 

Their  hearts  were  overwhelming  with  joy  and  praise 

When  hearing  their  friends  declaring  them  courageous 

braves. 

Welcome  home,  ye  dear  boys  in  blue, 
To  God  and  your  country  you  have  been  true. 
There  were  few  left  beneath  yon  Cuban  soil ; 
They  lie  there  as  a  memento  of  their  earnest  toil. 
We  welcome  you  home,  proud  Eighth,  again ; 
Though  great  in  number,  few  suffered  pain ; 
God  guided  them  safely  by  the  night, 
And  saved  them  from  the  thickest  of  fight ; 
Although  should  they  have  had  to  fight 
They  would  have  marched  forth  with  drum  and  fife, 
Shouldered  arms  and  forward  marched  to   the  foe, 
Defying  the  enemy  and  laying  them  low. 
They  had  a  good  leader  whose  faith  was  above, 
Trusting  the  Savior  to  guide  them  by  love, 
Love  for  their  country  and  humanity's  right, 
Conquering  old  satan  and  putting  the  enemy  to  flight. 
Then  why  not  welcome  such  boys  as  those  of   the 

Eighth  home, 

Bidding  them  come  from  the  lands  of  the  doomed, 
Discharging  their  duty  as  brave  warriors  of  old, 


IIT'LCOME    HOME.  295 

Fearing  not  the  enemy  but  striving  for  the  goal. 
Welcome  them  with  strong  arm  of  liberty ; 
Welcome  them  to  the  great  fields  of  prosperity ; 
Onward  and  upward  may  the  victory  be  won 
By  the  proud  Eighth  Illinois  who  so  worthy  a  deed 

has  done. 

Our  prayers  were  with  you  though  far,  far  away 
And  our  brightest  hopes  were  to  welcome  you  home 

some  day. 

And  now  may  the  welcome  we  give  unto  you 
Be  ever  remembered  by  the  loyal  and  true ; 
We  greet  you  with  praises  and  blessings  on  thee, 
Ever  be  ready  to  fight  for  the  rightful  liberty, 
Help  the  down-trodden  from  the  oppressor's  grasp, 
For  the  sting  lies  hidden  'neath  the  cunning  wasp, 
And  God  will  guide  vou  safely  o'er  stormy  seas, 
And  ever  your  faith  fur  friend  he  will  always  be, 
Giving  you  strength  to  conquer  the  foe, 
Bidding  them  reap  the  bitter  woe; 
Then  the  victory  and  honor  shall  be  thine  forever, 
And  all  the  wicked  foes  can  you  not  sever ; 
Let  love  for  your  country  and  humanity  your  hearts 

inspire 
And  victory  and  honor  will  crown  your  desire. 

At  Tattersall's  every  provision  was  made  for  the 
comfort  and  convenience  of  the  soldiers ;  the  govern- 
ment obtained  the  best  eatables  for  the  men  and  Cap- 
tain Wainwright,  the  mustering  officer,  spared  no 
pains  to  make  everything  pleasant ;  the  men  were  al- 
lowed to  go  and  come  at  will,  and  I  am  proud  to  say 
there  was  not  a  complaint  came  in  against  the  be- 


2m  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

havior  of  the  men  while  out  in  town.  Xo  drunken- 
ness or  disorderly  conduct  was  indulged  in.  The 
same  conduct  characterized  them  everywhere  they 
went.  One  thing  which  deserves  particular  mention 
during  our  stay  in  Tattersall's  was  the  kindness  of 
I\irs.  Susie  Roy.  This  good  and  hospitable  colored 
woman  was  seen  every  morning  entering  the  building 
quietly  and  hurriedly.  She  went  from  one  bunk  to 
another  feeding  those  of  the  sick  soldiers  that  felt 
too  bad  to  get  up  and  walk  around  or  to  participate 
in  the  general  reception  that  was  continually  going 
on.  Many  a  soldier  will  ever  remember  that  good 
woman  who  could  not  do  enough  for  the  sick  sol- 
diers of  her  race.  For  two  weeks  the  scenes  of  war 
and  army  life  was  changed  into  reception  and  hom- 
age until  the  3d  day  of  April,  when  the  mustering 
officer  relieved  them  of  the  oath  they  had  taken  to 
serve  their  country  faithfully  and  honorably  for  two 
years,  unless  sooner  discharged.  To  say  that  a  grand 
reception  was  given  in  honor  of  the  regiment  at  the 
First  Regiment  Armory  is  treating  the  matter  mildly. 
Many  of  the  soldiers  whose  homes  were  in  other 
cities  did  not  know  when  Chicago  does  a  thing  she 
does  it  well,  and  they  sat  spellbound  gazing  in  won- 
derment when  the  little  boys  and  girls  of  their  race 
came  forward,  facing  thousands  of  strange,  eager  eyes, 
and  chanted  the  familiar  bugle  calls  that  had  so  often 
regulated  their  steps  in  Cuba. 

There  was  another  and  still  a  grander  feature  oc- 
curred just  eight  months  ago.  A  white  colonel  was 
in  Cuba.  Disease  and  the  yellow  jack  stalked  among 
the  members  of  his  regiment,  decimating  the  ranks  so 


il'I-LCO.Ml-    HO  MI:.  297 

rapidly 'that  for  the  sake  of  his  command  he  was  com- 
pelled to  ask  the  governor  of  his  state  to  have  his  men 
brought  home  to  save  them.  Then  there  was  a  colored 
colonel  who,  being  apprised  of  the  situation  was  asked 
would  his  command  be  willing  to  go  to  Cuba  and  re- 
lieve those  suffering  there  and  brave  those  same  dan- 
gers. His  reply  was,  ''Yes,  we  are  willing  and  ready  to 
go."  On  the  i6th  day  of  August,  1898,  this  colonel 
and  his  regiment  were  on  the  island  of  Cuba  and 
on  the  night  of  the  2ist  of  March,  1899,  these  same 
two  colonels,  the  one  white,  the  other  colored,  sat 
face  to  face  upon  the  same  platform,  rejoicing  alike 
with  the  soldiers  that  their  army  careers  were  ended. 
What  could  have  been  their  feelings?  Never  before 
in  the  history  of  nations  was  there  such  a  spec- 
tacle. 

The  same  week  the  Eighth  was  invited  to  visit  the 
"Libby  Prison""  war  museum  in  a  body,  and  the  in- 
vitation accepted,  as  many  as  could  attend  going. 

On  the  3d  of  April  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer 
Regiment  was  mustered  out  of  service.  The  men  re- 
ceived their  month's  pay  and  two  months'  extra  pay 
provided  for  them  by  an  act  of  Congress.  They  bade 
each  other  good-by,  saluted  their  officers  for  the  last 
time  and  then  quietly  and  peacefully  returned  to  their 
various  walks  in  life,  and  the  Eighth  Illinois  was  no 
more. 

It  required  $90,288.85  to  pay  off  the  Eighth  Illi- 
nois Regiment. 

On  the  loth  of  April  Captain  Picket  of  the  pay- 
master's office  visited  the  hospitals  and  paid  the  sick 
soldiers  who  were  absent  from  their  command  when 


298  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLIXOIS." 

it  was  mustered  out,  seven  days  previous,  thus  clos- 
ing the  military  record  of  the  Eighth  Illinois. 

COMMENDATION. 

Since  the  mustering  out  of  the  Eighth  Governor 
J.  R.  Tanner  has  recommended  two  of  her  captains 
to  the  President  for  commissions  in  the  new  volun- 
teer army  to  see  service  in  the  Philippines,  to-wit: 
Captain  Theodore  Van  Pelt,  captain  of  Company  A, 
Eighth  Illinois,  and  Captain  William  T.  Jefferson, 
captain  of  Company  D,  Eighth  Illinois. 

Through  the  recommendation  of  ex-Representative 
Major  J.  C.  Buckner  the  following  commissions  and 
appointments  have  been  made  by  the  President :  Rob- 
ert Blakeman,  first  sergeant  Company  H,  Eighth,  to 
be  commissioned  a  first  lieutenant  in  the  new  col- 
ored regiment  to  be  known  as  the  Forty-ninth  United 
States  Volunteer  Regiment  Infantry,  to  go  to  the 
Philippines  :  Guildford  E.  Campbell,  a  corporal  in  Com- 
pany E,  Eighth  Illinois,  was  commissioned  on  the 
pth  of  September  and  ordered  to  duty  on  the  i3th  of 
September,  1899.  He  left  with  twelve  recruits  for 
Jefferson  Barracks,  Mo.,  October  3d.  Lieutenant 
Campbell  was  military  postmaster  at  San  Luis  de 
Cuba  while  the  Eighth  was  there. 

Captain  Leon  Denison  of  Company  K,  Eighth  Illi- 
nois, was  commissioned  as  captain  in  the  new  Forty- 
eighth  Volunteer  Regiment  Infantry  (colored).  He 
was  orclerd  to  report  at  Fort  Thomas,  Ky. 

Also  F.  Clayton  was  appointed  as  regimental 
hospital  steward  in  the  Forty-ninth  regiment. 

Between  April  3d  and  September  28th  Captain  Bo- 
mus,  the  recruiting  officer  at  82  \V.  Madison  street, 


U'ELCOME   HOME. 


•299 


Chicago,  111.,  says:  "There  has  been  forty-two  mem- 
bers of  the  Eighth  Illinois  re-enlisted  and  sent  to  the 
Philippines  with  the  Twenty-fourth  and  Twenty-fifth 
infantry  United  States  regulars  (colored.) 

The  captain  commended  the  soldiers  of  the  Eighth 
very  highly  and  prefers  them  as  applicants,  saying  they 
make  good  soldiers. 


CHAPTER     XIV. 
"THE  LAST   RETREAT." 

It  was  Easter  Sunday  afternoon,  at  half  past  five 
o'clock,  April  2,  1899.  The  sun  was  lowering  in  the 
far  western  horizon.  The  cold,  gray  clouds  hung 
heavy  and  motionless,  ever  and  anon  a  streak  of  crim- 
son red  appeared  to  bespeak  the  descent  of  that  silent 
orb,  who  most  reluctantly  gave  up  the  dying  of  the  day. 
Apparently  he  seemed  to  take  cognizance  of  the  fact 
that  the  brave  boys  in  blue,  of  the  famous  Eighth  Illi- 
nois were  standing,  silently  and  motionless,  with  heads 
all  bare,  as  if  doing  homage  to  Uncle  Sam  and  Old 
Glory,  standing  with  the  attitude  and  position  of  a  sol- 
der listening  pathetically  and  reverently  to  the  notes 
of  the  bugles  as  they  reverberated  and  died  away  with 
the  sounds  of  "the  last  retreat." 

Old  Tattersall's  appeared  as  she  never  did  before. 
All  animation  from  without  seemed  to  have  deserted 
her.  The  sturdy  tread  of  the  soldier,  hither  and  thither 
was  not  to  be  heard.  All  without  was  still  and  quiet. 
Crowds  in  the  galleries,  with  bated  breath,  looked 
quietly  and  eagerly  down  upon  the  statuesque  forms  of 
the  pride  of  their  hearts,  while  the  comrades  of  Colonel 
Marshall's  command  gazed  earnestly  and  longingly  at 
each  other.  Glances  of  farewell  were  exchanged  while 
the  final  notes  of  the  last  retreat  died  away  into  "the 
forever." 

300 


THE   LAST   RETREAT.  301 

Presently  there  was  heard  the  voices  ot  captains  and 
lieutenants  calling,  "fall  in  men,"  "company,  atten- 
tion," and  the  hugle  was  blowing  theh  last  assembly 
call  to  the  boys  of  the  Eighth. 

Standing  in  the  gallery,  surrounded  by  officers 
and  friends  of  the  regiment,  looking  perhaps  for 
the  last  time  into  the  countenances  of  the  men  he  had 
so  often  commanded  at  drill  and  dress  parade,  feeling 
a  sense  of  sadness  in  parting  with  them,  in  this,  their 
"Last  Retreat,"  was  Lieutenant  Colonel  James  H. 
Johnson,  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteers,  speaking 
his  last  farewell  words,  pathetically,  though  firmly,  to 
the  members  of  his  regiment.  He  said:  "Men,  we 
have  been  together  for  nearly  nine  long  months,  brav- 
ing diseases,  suffering  deprivations.  We  have  shared 
our  common  lot  alike.  The  time  has  come  when  we 
all  must  part ;  some  of  us  will  never  meet  again,  but  ere 
the  sun  goes  down  on  to-morrow's  day  the  mustering 
officer  will  have  disbanded  us  forever.  You  men  have 
been  earnest  soldiers ;  have  been  dutiful  to  all  com- 
mands as  far  as  practicability  permitted.  Now,  as  this 
is  the  last  time  that  I  will  ever  face  you  all,  en  masse,  I 
part  with  you  in  the  deepest  regret.  The  mustering 
officers  will  begin  paying  you  off  to-morrow  morning  at 
8  .-30,  and  with  admonition  to  the  entire  regiment,  I 
simply  say  that  I  have  lived  in  this  city  quite  a  number 
of  years  and  as  about  one-half  of  you  live  in  other 
towns  in  the  state,  I  warn  you  in  particular  against 
all  "gamblers"  and  "rounders,"  and  while  passing  along 
any  of  our  streets,  if  anyone  invites  you  in,  do  not  go 
in  there  unless  you  know  where  you  are  going.  If  you 
do  you  are  liable  to  leave  Chicago  without  your 


302  "THE   EIGHTH   ILLINOIS." 

money.     With  these  remarks  I  bid  the  boys  that*  I 
once  commanded,  a  farewell.     Comrades,  adieu." 

Old  Glory  had  unfurled  her  stars  and  stripes  above 
the  heads  of  the  members  of  the  Eighth  perhaps  for  the 
last  time.  She  was  lowered,  folded  carefully,  and 
returned  unsubdued,  untarnished,  back  to  the  guardian 
of  Uncle  Sam,  the  mustering  officer. 

Guns  and  bayonets,  haversacks,  canteens,  belts  and 
cartridges  were  all  accounted  for  and  turned  in ;  cloth- 
ing allowance  and  transportation  were  checked  up.  All 
guardhouse  sentences  were  at  an  end.  No  more  icv- 
eille  to  be  sounded  on  to-morrow  morning;  no  more 
hardtacks  and  army  beans  to  swell  our  stomach ;  no 
more  tainted  beef  to  spoil  our  bill  o'  fare ;  no  more 
turning  out  the  guards  to  the  officers  of  the  day ;  no 
more  sleeping  in  dog  tents,  nor  in  hammocks ;  no  more 
passes  to  be  signed  by  our  commanding  officer.  For 
this  was  the  end  of  the  Eighth  Illinois  Volunteer  Regi- 
ment and  this  was  our 

"LAST  RETREAT." 


FINIS. 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS-URBANA 

973.894IL6I8  C001 

THE  EIGHTH  ILLINOIS  CHGO 


30112025372589 


